Regional Land Management Unit (RELMA)

TECHNICAL HANDBOOK No. 27

Edible Wild

Plants of

Tanzania

Christopher K. Ruffo

Ann Birnie

Bo Tengnäs

RELMA Technical Handbook (TH) series

Tree nursery manual for Eritrea

Chris Palzer. 2002. TH No. 26. ISBN 9966-896-60-0

ULAMP extension approach: a guide for field extension agents

Anthony Nyakuni, Gedion Shone and Arne Eriksson. 2001. TH No. 25. ISBN 9966-896-57-0

Drip Irrigation: options for smallholder farmers in eastern and southern Africa

Isaya V. Sijali. 2001. TH No. 24. ISBN 9966-896-77-5

Water from sand rivers: a manual on site survey, design, construction, and maintenance of seven

types of water structures in riverbeds

Erik Nissen-Petersen. 2000. TH No. 23. ISBN 9966-896-53-8

Rainwater harvesting for natural resources management: a planning guide for Tanzania

Nuhu Hatibu and Henry F. Mahoo (eds.). 2000. TH No. 22. ISBN 9966-896-52-X

Agroforestry handbook for the banana-coffee zone of Uganda: farmers’ practices and experiences

I. Oluka-Akileng, J. Francis Esegu, Alice Kaudia and Alex Lwakuba. 2000. TH No. 21. ISBN 9966-896-51-1

Land resources management: a guide for extension workers in Uganda

Charles Rusoke, Anthony Nyakuni, Sandra Mwebaze, John Okorio, Frank Akena and Gathiru Kimaru. 2000.

TH No. 20. ISBN 9966-896-44-9

Wild food plants and mushrooms of Uganda

Anthony B. Katende, Paul Ssegawa, Ann Birnie, Christine Holding and Bo Tengnäs. 1999. TH No. 19.

ISBN 9966-896-40-6

Banana production in Uganda: an essential food and cash crop

Aloysius Karugaba and Gathiru Kimaru. 1999. TH No. 18. ISBN 9966-896-39-2

Agroforestry extension manual for eastern Zambia

Samuel Simute, C.L. Phiri and Bo Tengnäs. 1998. TH No. 17. ISBN 9966-896-36-8

Water harvesting: an illustrative manual for development of microcatchment techniques for crop

production in dry areas

Mwangi T. Hai. 1998. TH No. 16. ISBN 9966-896-33-3

Integrated soil fertility management on small-scale farms in Eastern Province of Zambia

Thomas Raussen (ed.). 1997. TH No. 15. ISBN 9966-896-32-5

Agroforestry manual for extension workers in Central and Lusaka provinces, Zambia

Joseph A. Banda, Penias Banda and Bo Tengnäs. 1997. TH No. 14. ISBN 9966-896-31-7

Facilitators’ manual for communication skills workshops

Pamela Baxter. 1996. TH No. 13. ISBN 9966-896-25-2

Useful trees and shrubs in Eritrea: identification, propagation and management for agricultural and

pastoral communities

Estifanos Bein, B. Habte, A. Jaber, Ann Birnie and Bo Tengnäs. 1996. TH No. 12. ISBN 9966-896-24-4

Agroforestry extension manual for northern Zambia

Henry Chilufya and Bo Tengnäs. 1996. TH No. 11. ISBN 9966-896-23-6

Useful trees and shrubs for Uganda: identification, propagation and management for agricultural

and pastoral communities

A.B. Katende, Ann Birnie and Bo Tengnäs. 1995. TH No. 10. ISBN 9966-896-22-8

Edible Wild Plants of Tanzania

iii

CHRISTOPHER K. RUFFO

ANN BIRNIE AND BOTENGNÄS

Regional Land Management Unit/Sida

2002

Edible Wild Plants of Tanzania

Published by the Regional Land Management Unit, RELMA/Sida

ICRAF House, Gigiri

P.O. Box 63403

Nairobi, Kenya

International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)

Editor of RELMA series of publications: Anna K. Lindqvist

Editing, layout, typesetting and production: Caroline Agola, P.O. Box

21582, Nairobi, Kenya

Cover design: RELMA

Photos: All photos by Christopher K. Ruffo except where indicated.

Cover photos:

Top: Selling fruit, including Strychnos cocculoides and Parinari curatellifolia,

Tabora market

Middle: Borassus aethiopum

Bottom: Nymphaea lotus

Cataloguing-in-Publication Data

Ruffo CK, Birnie A, Tengnäs B. Edible wild plants of Tanzania. 2002. RELMA

Technical Handbook Series 27. Nairobi, Kenya: Regional Land Management Unit

(RELMA), Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). 766 p.

+ x; colour section; includes bibliography.

ISBN 9966-896-62-7

The content of this book is based on information gathered from a wide range of informants in the

field at locations throughout Tanzania and is presented in good faith. If you have any doubts,

before putting into practice any of its recommendations we advise you to verify information on

uses and preparation with knowledgeable people in your own situation and community. Neither

RELMA nor the individual authors will accept any liability for misidentification of the plants

described or any ill effects that may result from their consumption or any other form of use.

The contents of this manual may be reproduced without special permission.

However, acknowledgement of the source is requested. The photographers

and artists concerned must be contacted for reproduction of illustrations.

The views expressed in the RELMA series of publications are those of the

authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of RELMA.

Printed by English Press, P.O. Box 30127, Nairobi, Kenya

Contents

Foreword ................................................................................................................... vii

Acknowledgements.................................................................................................. viii

Introduction ................................................................................................................ 1

Illustrated glossary of botanical terms ................................................................... 11

ART I

Local names .............................................................................................................. 17

ART II

The species ................................................................................................................ 67

PPENDICES

I. Summary table of parts of the plant used for food ........................................ 732

II. Workshop participants ...................................................................................... 740

Bibliography ........................................................................................................... 743

List of families and species .................................................................................... 749

Index of species ...................................................................................................... 759

Feedback form ........................................................................................................ 765

Colour plates between pages 6 and 7

Maps

1. The main physical features of Tanzania ........................................................... vi

2. The main phytogeographical regions of Tanzania ............................................ x

3. Administrative regions and main towns of Tanzania ....................................... 8

4. The main ethnic groups of Tanzania ................................................................ 18

Map 1. The main physical features of Tanzania

vii

Foreword

This book can be regarded as the third in a series begun in 1999 when the Na-

tional Museums of Kenya published Traditional Food Plants of Kenya with spon-

sorship and technical assistance from RELMA, among others. Later the same year

RELMA’s Wild Food Plants and Mushrooms of Uganda was launched, and now

we are very pleased to publish this volume, Edible Wild Plants of Tanzania.

In all three, it proved difficult to select the species to be included. The flora of

this region is so rich that any complete catalogue of all the wild plants that have

current or potential uses as food would result in enormously cumbersome books.

RELMA sees four good reasons for documenting this kind of information on the

edible wild plants of east and southern Africa in an easily accessible format:

• As a general principal, we should attempt to record all traditional knowledge

and wisdom that is at risk of dying out. There are still many people—often the

old people—who know how to utilize the resources of the “wild”, but this is

knowledge that nowadays is seldom passed on to the younger generation;

• During periods of crop failure and famine, wild foods are often available pro-

vided people know where to look for them, recognize them and can cook them

appropriately;

• Eating habits are changing very rapidly, both in the South and the North.

Unfortunately, however, not all these changes are nutritionally sound. Some-

times the modern staple foods relied upon in Africa are monotonous and lack

nutrients essential for a balanced diet. The addition of some wild plant foods to

such poor staple-based diets can mean the difference between a healthy child

and one whose future may be blighted by the consequences of malnutrition;

• Probably the most important edible plant species in the world have already

been identified, domesticated, propagated, developed and put to economic use.

Modern gene-modification techniques have the potential for developing new

plants in the laboratory, but I am convinced that there will always be uses for

existing but not-so-well-known “new” plants in food production. The promotion

of “functional foods”—those that are “extra healthy”, or half way to being medi-

cines—is growing rapidly. It is more than likely that among all the edible wild

plants of eastern Africa there are substances with the potential for being devel-

oped into products that could play an important economic role in the region.

Lastly, I would like to commend the main author, Christopher K. Ruffo, whose

extensive knowledge of the ethnobotany of Tanzania, resulting from decades of

botanical work in his country, forms the basis of this book. This initial information

was supplemented by further data gathered by him in the course of extensive

travels to five regions of Tanzania mainland, i.e. Kilimanjaro, Tanga, Iringa, Tabora

and Kigoma, and also Zanzibar, and interactions with local people in all those

areas. The rest of the team behind this book relied heavily on Mr Ruffo’s expertise.

Åke Barklund

Director, RELMA

viii

Acknowledgements

This book is the result of the combined efforts of a team of people facilitated by a

Sida grant through the Regional Land Management Unit, RELMA. Christine Hold-

ing and Bo Tengnäs initiated the project through RELMA, and Bo Tengnäs and

Gatheru Kimaru facilitated the field work and production throughout.

An initial text was supplemented by a great amount of data gathered in the

course of extensive travels to five Regions of Tanzania mainland, i.e. Kilimanjaro,

Tanga, Iringa, Tabora and Kigoma, and also to Zanzibar, and interaction with

local people in the areas visited.

Many organizations and individuals contributed to the successful completion of

that part of the work, and in particular the following deserve mention:

• The Commissioner of Natural Resources, Zanzibar, and his staff who guided us

to various important places and facilitated data collection on the use of wild food

plants in Zanzibar;

• The Regional Natural Resources Officer and Regional Agricultural Officer of

Tanga whose competent extension staff arranged for us to interview local farm-

ers in Tanga, Muheza, Korogwe and Lushoto Districts;

• The Project Manager of East Usambara Catchment Project, Tanga, and his staff

for their co-operation and allowing us access to their library;

• The District Agricultural Officer, Moshi, and his staff for arranging meetings

and interviews with local people. Mama Moshi, in particular, drove us tirelessly

and courageously on muddy roads to collect data in Kilimanjaro Region;

• The District Agricultural Officer and District Forest Officer, Same District, who

arranged for us to meet and interview Maasai and Pare tribesmen in Ruvu

Mferejini and Mbagga villages, respectively;

• The District Natural Resources Officer and District Agricultural Officer of Iringa,

Mafinga and Njombe Districts and their staff who arranged meetings with groups

of women, men and young people in various villages;

• The Regional Natural Resources Officer, Tabora Region, and District Agricul-

tural Officers of Tabora, Nzega and Igunga Districts who arranged for us to

meet Nyamwezi tribesmen and herbalists;

• The Director of the Agricultural Training Centre, Tumbi, Tabora, and his staff

for taking us on a field visit through the intact Tumbi Forest Reserve accompa-

nied by local people to identify and discuss their use of wild food plants;

• The Co-ordinator of Lake Tanganyika Catchment Forest and Education

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

(TACARE) and the Warden in charge of the Gombe Stream National Park,

Kigoma District for their kind co-operation in the field;

• The District Natural Resources Officers of Kasulu and Kibondo Districts for ar-

ranging interviews with Ha tribesmen;

• The Co-ordinator of the Soil Erosion Control and Agroforestry Project (SECAP)

at Lushoto who arranged for us to visit local markets at Lushoto, Soni and Lukozi.

My sincere gratitude to the Director of the Tanzania Forestry Research Insti-

tute (TAFORI) at Morogoro and the Head, Botany Department, University of Dar

es Salaam and their staff who allowed us to use their herbaria for the identifica-

tion of plants collected in the field.

I owe a particular debt of gratitude to Professors Inga and Olov Hedberg, both

of the University of Uppsala, for their useful comments on the plants which have

been included in this book. I also thank Ingvar Backeus of the University of Uppsala

for arranging a study visit to that institution for Agnes Nyambo and myself in

February 2000.

I also acknowledge the important contributions made by all the participants at

the review workshop held in Iringa in November 2000 (Appendix II) and thank

them for their input. I also thank Agnes Nyambo for her good company and co-

operation during our field work.

An initial manuscript was then put together by all three authors with the help

of Yasmin Kalyan’s usual speedy and efficient data entry. Further details were

reviewed at the University of Uppsala in Sweden.

Ann Birnie, botanical consultant and artist, prepared the botanical descrip-

tions and supplemented information on the ecology and distribution of the se-

lected species. She also organized and coordinated production of the many

illustrations required, including making a few original drawings. Nicholas Muema

drew some illustrations in the field, but most drawings were made from dried speci-

mens in the East African Herbarium, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi. The

authors remain indebted to the staff of the Herbarium for their assistance in this.

Other illustrations were taken from previous RELMA/Sida publications (those in

the volumes of the Useful Trees and Shrubs series and Wild Food Plants and

Mushrooms of Uganda), and a few were original work by Mr H. P. Msanga of the

National Tree Seed Centre, Morogoro.

I am grateful to the National Museums of Kenya and the East Africa Natural

History Society for permission to use the illustrations taken from Kenya Trees,

Shrubs and Lianas by H.J. Beentje and Upland Kenya Wild Flowers by A.D.Q.

Agnew and S. Agnew, respectively. Illustrations from the published family vol-

umes of the Flora of Tropical East Africa (FTEA)

are reproduced courtesy the Li-

brary, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The copyright to all the above illustrations

remains with the original publishers.

Finally, I wish to thank all the other people who contributed in one way or

another during data collection and final production of the book but are not specifi-

cally mentioned here.

Christopher K. Ruffo

Map 2. The main phytogeographical regions of Tanzania

INTRODUCTION

Introduction

Biodiversity and the vegetation of Tanzania

Tanzania, with an area of 945,000 km

, has the greatest diversity of plant species

of all African countries with the exception of the Democratic Republic of Congo

(DRC) and South Africa. There are over 9,000 species of higher plants in Tanza-

nia, many of which are so-called endemic species, meaning that they are only

found in Tanzania. The vegetation of an area is generally classified into regions

based on the species and plant associations found there. These regions are called

phytogeographical regions, and those regions found in Tanzania are indicated

below and shown in Map 2:

• Afro-montane region

• Lake Victoria region

• Somali–Maasai region

• Zambezian region

• Zanzibar–Inhambane region.

The Afro-montane region covers the high mountain areas of Tanzania, in-

cluding Kilimanjaro, Meru, Ngorongoro, Hanang, Rungwe, Mbizi and Makale.

Afro-montane vegetation is also found in the eastern arc mountains, which in-

clude Pare, Usambara, Nguu, Nguru, Ukaguru, Malundwe, Rubeho and Mahenge.

The eastern arc mountains are known to be extremely rich in species diversity and

endemism. Over 25% of the eastern arc species are endemic, including several

species of wild coffee, e.g. Coffea mongensis and Coffea mufindiensis. This region

receives high rainfall (1,000–3,000 mm per year) and is densely populated be-

cause of the favourable conditions for agriculture.

The Lake Victoria region covers the areas around Lake Victoria and the

northern part of Lake Tanganyika. The rainfall is relatively high (1,500–2,000

mm per year) in this region too. Most of the luxuriant forests around these lakes

have been cleared for agriculture, with the exception of the forest at Minziro,

which is rich in species, including some Afro-montane species such as Podocarpus

falcatus.

The Somali–Maasai region is in the central and northern parts of Tanza-

nia. Thickets, woodlands and grasslands dominate in this region. Acacia and

Commiphora are common. There are also many endemic species of plants, e.g.

INTRODUCTION

Acacia tanganyikensis and Cordyla densiflora. The rainfall is low (300–700 mm

per year) and these areas are economically important for wildlife and livestock

rearing.

The Zambezian region covers much of western and southern Tanzania

and occupies about 40% of the country’s total land area. A large proportion

of this zone is covered with miombo or Brachystegia woodland with many

species of Brachystegia, Julbernardia and Isoberlinia. Many edible plants and

timber species are found in the miombo woodlands.

The Zanzibar–Inhambane region covers mainly the eastern parts of Tan-

zania. The vegetation in this region consists mostly of coastal forests, woodlands,

bushlands and thickets. About 40% of the species found are endemic, e.g. Milletia

puguensis and Philippia mafiensis. However, most of the coastal forests, wood-

lands and thickets have been cleared, mainly for agricultural purposes. The indig-

enous forest remains in only a few areas such as Pugu, Zeraninge, Ngezi and

Jozani.

All these areas, but especially the Zambezian and Zanzibar–Inhambane

regions, are sources of wild foods, medicine and other products such as tim-

ber, poles and firewood. All these are essential for the livelihood of local peo-

ple.

Wild plants as sources of food

Wild food plants are those plants with edible parts which are found growing natu-

rally on farms, fallow or on uncultivated land. For example, many of the leafy

vegetables described in this book are found as weeds on farmland, fallow or aban-

doned farmlands, while other food plants are only found in natural forests. Most

of the 326 plants described in this book are indigenous, though a few were exotic

in origin.

Several types of food can be obtained from wild plants. Leaves, either fresh or

dried, frequently accompany staple grain dishes. Seeds and nuts are also used in

various side dishes and sauces. Fruit are a seasonal food supply and are often

eaten as snacks or made into juices. In some cases, fruit may form a very substan-

tial part of the diet, e.g. bananas. Roots and tubers provide carbohydrates and

minerals and are especially valuable dry-season and famine-period foods. Some

may be eaten raw as snacks, while others require complicated processing and thus

are only used in times of food scarcity. Some Acacia species such as Acacia senegal

yield edible gum, and the sap from other trees is used in various ways. The bark

of some trees can be eaten or used as a spice. All these types of food provide essen-

tial elements in the human diet. Some of these uses of the plants covered in this

book are summarized in Table 1.

INTRODUCTION

Table 1. Some wild food plants and their role in the diet

Oil seeds

Allanblackia Allanblackia spp. Oil

Desert date Balanites aegyptiaca Oil

Wild kapok Bombax rhodognaphalon

var. tomentosum Oil, snack, famine food

Cork-wood tree Ricinodendron heudelotii

subsp. africanum Oil famine food

Cape mahogany Trichilia emetica Oil

Cereals

Crow-foot grass Dactyloctenium aegypticum Famine-period staple

Crow-foot grass Dactyloctenium giganteum Famine-period staple

Wild sorghum Sorghum purpureo-sericeum Staple

Beverages

Baobab Adansonia digitata Drink, snack, famine food

Wild coffee Coffea spp. Drink

Tamarind Tamarindus indica Drink, snack

Marula plum Sclerocarya birrea Snack, drink, famine food

Wild loquat Uapaca spp. Snack, drink, famine food

Fruit

Wild custard apple Annona senegalensis Mainly snacks

African ebony Diospyros mespiliformis Mainly snacks, famine food

Indian plum Flacourtia indica Mainly snacks, jam

Mobola plum Parinari curatellifolia Snacks, drink, famine food

Wild medlar Vangueria spp. Mainly snacks, drink, famine

food

Leafy vegetables

Amaranth Amaranthus spinosus Sauce, vegetable

Wild simsim Sesamum calycinum var. angustifolium Sauce, vegetable

Common purselane Portulaca oleracea Sauce, vegetable

Hibiscus Hibiscus spp. Sauce, vegetable

Roots and tubers

Yams Dioscorea spp. Staple and famine food

Spices, flavourings

Wild cardamom Aframomum angustifolium Improve palatability and

taste

Ashanti pepper Piper guineense Improve palatability

and taste

Food categories

The culinary culture and dishes of the various communities in Tanzania, as in

most of Africa, are, of course, different from those in the West. As a result, in

many cases there are no exactly equivalent English words for African dishes

or components of a meal.

Staple

A staple food is the major or dominant food, usually high in carbohydrate, that

forms the most important component of a meal, e.g. sweet potatoes, millet, rice,

maize or cassava. Relatively few staples are collected from the wild, but most

INTRODUCTION

communities know of “emergency staples” that can be relied upon during famine,

for example Dactyloctenium spp.

The main staples eaten in Tanzania are either boiled or steamed (e.g.

potatoes, green bananas, rice), or ground into flour (e.g. maize, millet, cas-

sava). The flour is cooked with water into a stiff dough-like “porridge“, gener-

ally eaten with the various vegetable dishes or “sauces” described in this

book. There is no exact equivalent for this stiff “porridge” in the English lan-

guage or Western cuisine, either in its consistency (somewhat similar to dry

mashed potatoes) or its dominating role as the basic component of the meal.

Therefore, in this book we have used the Swahili word ugali, unless a local

Tanzania name is specified. We use the word “porridge” to mean a much

thinner gruel-type food (called uji in Swahili) that can be drunk from a bowl

or cup. Often this thin porridge is made from the same flours as the staple

ugali of the area with the addition of various plant juices and flavourings, or

in more urban situations, milk, sugar or lemon juice.

Vegetable or sauce

These terms are used for the dishes that are the main accompaniment to the sta-

ple, usually vegetables, including the wild leafy plants described in this book.

The are often cooked with a base of fried onions and tomatoes or the addition

of legumes and pulses, e.g. pounded groundnuts or simsim, and coconut

milk. Depending on affordability and availability, meat, whether from do-

mestic animals or wild game, as well as fish (fresh, dried or smoked) and

insects, e.g. grasshoppers and termites, may be used in varying proportions.

Snacks

Any relatively small amount of food eaten between main meals, e.g. fruit, nuts, a

drink, roasted seeds or root crops, is regarded as a snack. Snacks increase the

variety of foods eaten and improve the individual’s nutrition. This is crucial in

Tanzania because, for example, traditionally fruits and nuts many not often be

part of a main meal.

Snack foods are especially important for children since children need to eat

more frequently than adults, and wild fruits and nuts are good sources of the

micronutrients that may be deficient in the common cereal-based diets. Among

pastoral peoples in the semi-arid areas of Tanzania, or more widely during

famine, some of these so-called “snack” foods may become the only food avail-

able and consequently at such times fulfil a much more substantial role in

the daily diet.

Oil foods

These are foods from which oil can be obtained either by extraction or direct con-

sumption, e.g. groundnuts, sesame seeds (simsim), wild kapok seeds, oil palm ker-

nels and sunflower seed. Oils provide concentrated energy in the diet and

enhance palatability.

INTRODUCTION

Spices and flavourings

These are foods, often strongly flavoured, and therefore used in small amounts,

which are added as seasoning to improve the taste of dishes and enhance the

appetite.

Tenderizers

Many of the plants are used as tenderizing agents. The leaves may be cooked

together with other leafy vegetables to soften them during cooking. Alterna-

tively, other parts of the plants are burnt to obtain ash which is also used to

tenderize other vegetables, to hasten the cooking of dry pulses or as a sub-

stitute for common salt.

Juices

As a snack the juice is sucked from many fruit picked in the wild. Also the

pulp of many ripe fruit may be soaked in water, squeezed or mashed, filtered

and sugar added to make larger quantities of juice for consumption in the

home or for sale. These juices supply vitamin C and energy.

Famine food

Many of the plants in this book are listed as famine foods. In these cases, leaves,

roots or tubers, for example, may all be eaten on occasions but the term implies

that they are only used when other more favoured alternatives are unavailable.

The nutritional value of wild food plants

Malnutrition is prevalent in Tanzania, as evidenced by the fact that 27% of chil-

dren are underweight, and micronutrient malnutrition affects a large proportion

of the population of Tanzania. Some 2,000–4,000 children go blind each year due

to lack of vitamin A in the diet. It has been estimated that 40% of the people live in

iodine-deficient areas and about 1.6% have severe deficiency and therefore suffer

from goitre. Prevalence of anaemia due to iron deficiency is 86% in children and

85% in pregnant women (FAO 1990, Kavishe 1993, UNICEF 1990).

The major cause of malnutrition is inadequate intake of nutrients. In ad-

dition, there is insufficient information and knowledge on the foods that are

rich in nutrients, and especially micronutrients, vitamins and minerals. In

Tanzania, therefore, wild plants that could supply these important nutrients

are important since many people cannot afford to buy the variety of foods

otherwise needed for an adequate diet.

Few Tanzanian wild food plants have been analysed for their nutritional

content, but available data indicate that many local vegetables and fruits

have a higher nutritive value than exotic vegetables commonly sold in mar-

kets. For example, Amaranthus spinosus, Bidens pilosa and Sesamum angolense

are among the local vegetables which are high in protein, fat and minerals

(calcium and iron). Other local vegetables have calcium contents 1.5–3.2

times higher than those of the cabbage-family species whose calcium con-

INTRODUCTION

tent is the highest of all the exotic vegetables. Some wild fruits such as Adansonia

digitata, Annona senegalensis and Parinari curatellifolia are high in protein and

fat. Furthermore, the fruit of Adansonia digitata and Ximenia caffra have a higher

vitamin C content than mango (Mangifera indica) or orange (Citrus sinensis).

The role of wild food plants for food security in Tanzania

In humid areas of Tanzania, wild food plants, especially vegetables such as

Amaranthus spinosus and Bidens pilosa, are available throughout the year. But

others are only available seasonally. For example, in dry areas of Tanzania veg-

etables are most abundant between December and June, while fruits are abun-

dant from April to June. Some of the wild food plants, e.g. Ceratotheca sesamoides,

Adansonia digitata and Azanza garckeana, are collected during the peak season

and preserved for use during the off-season. Some fruits such as Adansonia digitata

and Tamarindus indica are dried in the sun and stored. Other fruits, for example

Azanza garckeana and Vangueria infausta, may be steamed before being dried

and stored. Vegetables are usually collected in large amounts, dried in the sun

before or after being steamed and stored. Leafy vegetables are often dried, pounded

and stored in powder form. Other wild foods such as roots and tubers of Ritchiea

albersii and Dioscorea spp. are important sources of food during periods of food

scarcity.

In addition to making significant additions to individual family food supplies,

wild food plants can contribute to household food security in other ways.

Income and employment can be obtained from sale or exchange of fruit, nuts

and vegetables. Juices and local alcoholic drinks are made from Adansonia

digitata, Tamarindus indica, Sclerocarya birrea and Uapaca kirkiana.

Promotion of the use and domestication of wild food plants

However, although many wild food plants are used by the majority of rural

Tanzanians, they are still not as much appreciated or valued as some of the

introduced food plants such as mango, orange, cabbage or Chinese cabbage.

To a certain extent these wild food plants are still regarded as inferior and

only appropriate for the poor. There is also a widespread decline in knowl-

edge about wild food plants, especially among young people and those who

live in urban areas.

As noted earlier, however, many wild food plants are both nutritious and im-

portant for food security. Many tasty dishes can be prepared from such plants. In

addition, the indigenous species are adapted to the local environment and

therefore propagate and grow easily with few requirements for external input

such as fertilizers and pesticides. Thus they can be easily integrated into

sustainable farming systems.

The aim of this book, therefore, is to encourage more people to learn about and

promote the use of wild food plants found in their areas. It is hoped, for example,

INTRODUCTION

that extension officers, village leaders, district and group leaders may use it to

help them take an active role in the promotion and use of wild food plants and

dissemination of information about them to their communities. Moreover, it is hoped

that this book will prove useful to students, foresters, horticulturists, botanists,

primary and secondary school teachers, college and university lectures and re-

searchers.

Conservation of natural resources including food plants

However, it is not simply enough to encourage the use of these plants without

conserving them and the environment that will ensure their survival. With in-

creasing deforestation, exploitation and changes in land use, the diversity of natural

vegetation in Tanzania is declining and many of these wild foods and fruits are no

longer readily available. Some of the important wild food plants have already

disappeared or are becoming very rare. Examples are the orchids (Habenaria and

Satyrium spp.) covered in this publication, which are amongst many orchid spe-

cies that have become endangered because of recent massive collecting, harvest-

ing or trading for food purposes, particularly in the Southern Highlands. They are

still included in this book because of their local importance as food plants and their

potential for future domestication, but unsustainable harvesting of all rare or threat-

ened species should be discouraged.

There is, therefore, a great need for some of these indigenous wild plants to be

domesticated, starting with those that have a high nutritive value and are easy to

propagate. They also need genetic improvement and further development of meth-

ods for storage, processing and cooking.

There are numerous programmes, projects and activities in Tanzania aimed at

the conservation of the country’s natural resources. The main sectors involved are

agriculture, forestry, fisheries, wildlife, water and lands. Most programmes aim at

capacity building, restoration or rehabilitation, creation of awareness and facilita-

tion or enhancement of sustainable utilization of natural resources. Such efforts

are supported by Government policies such as the National Environmental Policy

and the National Environmental Action Plan. The establishment of the National

Environment Management Council (NEMC) has also been important.

Research and training institutions also play a crucial role in conserving Tan-

zania’s rich natural resources. Tertiary training institutions include three univer-

sities, the College of African Wildlife, the Tanzania Fisheries Training Institute,

the Tanzania Forestry Training Institute, the Beekeeping Training Institute and

the Ministry of Agriculture training institutes in agriculture, livestock and horti-

culture. Research institutions are co-ordinated by the Commission of Science and

Technology (COSTECH), and research is carried out by universities, the Tanza-

nia Forestry Research Institute (TAFORI), the Tanzania Fisheries Research Insti-

tute (TAFIRI), several agricultural and livestock research stations, the Serengeti

Wildlife Research Institute, and the Tanzania Pesticide Research Institute (TPRI).

There are also a number of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that have

INTRODUCTION

Map 3. The administrative regions and main towns of Tanzania

INTRODUCTION

contributed substantially in the conservation of natural resources in Tanzania.

Examples are the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the

Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the Wildlife Conservation Society of Tan-

zania.

Suggested activities

The workshop held in Iringa in November 2000 to review the draft of this book

was attended by many resource persons representing various disciplines (Appen-

dix II). The participants made the following recommendations for the promotion of

wild food plants in Tanzania:

• More exploration and studies of edible and medicinal plants should be carried

out throughout Tanzania and documented;

• Propagation and domestication of wild food plants and medicinal plants should

be started through efforts of the government, NGOs and women’s groups;

• Knowledge about wild food and medicinal plants should be taught in villages,

schools, colleges and universities;

• Pamphlets, booklets and newspapers on food plants should be produced so that

people can be more exposed to current local knowledge;

• Wild food plants that provide food during periods of food scarcity or famine

should be particularly promoted for planting in farmlands in order to improve

household food security;

• More research should be carried out on the nutritional and medicinal properties

of wild plants;

• People should be encouraged to protect and conserve wild food plants in their

farmlands;

• People should be encouraged to retain some natural vegetation during land

preparation (in situ conservation).

• Information about wild food and medicinal plants should also be disseminated

through the media and at workshops, seminars and exhibitions;

• Valued traditional foods from the wild, for example those eaten during special

occasions, should be studied and their continued use encouraged.

How to use this book

The main part of this book consists of descriptions and information about the wild

food plant species (each with an illustration), arranged alphabetically by scientific

name. This main section is preceded by list of the local (vernacular) names of these

plants in the main languages of Tanzania, again arranged alphabetically within

each language category (this section is printed on coloured paper).

If you wish to find information about a particular plant but only know its

name in your own language:

1. Look for the language you want in the list of local names. Languages are also

organized alphabetically.

2. Find the name you are looking for in that list.

INTRODUCTION

3. Check the botanical (scientific) name that is listed next to it.

4. Look up the page for that plant in its alphabetical place in the main section of

the book.

At the end of the book there is a list of the species covered according to the

taxonomic families they belong to, and a separate alphabetical index of all the

species.

We have also included a feedback form at the end of the book where interested

readers can give us their views on any of the material in this book and make

suggestions for additions or corrections to be included in any future edition.

Medicinal use of wild plants

Some 60% of the plants described in this book are also known to be used as medi-

cine for treating different human diseases.

Wild plants provide the only medicines cheaply and readily available to the

vast majority of the rural population of Tanzania, as is the case in many other

developing countries in the world. They are also a source of some of the active

ingredients in modern pharmaceuticals.

However, the active compounds, proper methods of preparation, dosages, ef-

fectiveness and side effects of medicines prepared from these plants have not yet

been studied extensively. More research is needed before they can be used with

absolute safety and effectiveness. Therefore, people who may wish to use any of

these plants for medicinal purposes should take great care, seek expert advice

where possible, and be aware that any such use is made at their own risk.

GLOSSARY

Illustrated glossary of botanical terms

(A. Birnie)

GLOSSARY

LOCAL NAMES

PART I

LOCAL NAMES

Map 4. The main ethnic groups of Tanzania

LOCAL NAMES

Local names

Arusha

Emotoo Azanza garckeana

Emusigiloi Rhus longipes

Engirusha Opilia amentacea

Engokiki Ormocarpum kirkii

Engumi Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Engumi Vangueria

madagascariensis

Engumi Vangueria volkensii

Eravande Lannea schweinfurthii var.

stuhlmannii

Loshoro Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Loshoro Vangueria

madagascariensis

Masera Adansonia digitata

Mesera Adansonia digitata

Oldadai Abutilon mauritianum

Oldaoboi Kigelia africana

Olkilili Ficus stuhlmannii

Olkloriti Acacia nilotica

Olmadanyi Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Olmadanyi Vangueria

madagascariensis

Olmadanyi Vangueria volkensii

Olmang’wai Sclerocarya birrea subsp.

caffra

Olmangulai Grewia villosa

Olmangulai-

oloingoni Grewia platyclada

Olmasambrai Tamarindus indica

Olmkoma Grewia similis

Olngaboli Ficus sycomorus

Olngoswa Balanites aegyptiaca

Oloilali Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

Olpiroo Phoenix reclinata

Oluisuki Zanthoxylum chalybeum

var. chalybeum

Orimigomi Pappea capensis

Ormisigiyoi Rhus natalensis

Oseki Cordia monoica

Osilalei Commiphora africana

Ositeti Grewia mollis

Barabaig

Aantsi Ficus sycomorus

Babaxchet Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Babaxchet Vangueria

madagascariensis

Barangu Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Barangu Vangueria

madagascariensis

Ganyamda Balanites aegyptiaca

Geta-da-qwal Syzygium guineense

Getakhubay Osyris lanceolata

Hawi Balanites aegyptiaca

Maanyangu Ximenia caffra

Mahhahhari Dovyalis abyssinica

Malharimo Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Malharimog Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Malharimog Vangueria

madagascariensis

Millan Phoenix reclinata

Naamo Commiphora africana

Qach Carissa edulis

Segedid Myrsine africana

Sirong Rhus longipes

LOCAL NAMES

Barabaig (contd)

Sonari Syzygium guineense

Udageshade Abutilon mauritianum

Wapkan Zanthoxylum chalybeum

var. chalybeum

Yudek Acacia senegal

Bena

Findokoli Tapiphyllum burnettii

Ki’tononganga Acacia senegal

Kikande Habenaria walleri

Kikande Satyrium macrophyllum

Kikande Satyrium neglectum var.

neglectum

Lidunula Osyris lanceolata

Lidzadzi Rhus vulgaris

Lifilafila Garcinia kingäensis

Likolovega Commelina africana

Lilinga Lannea humilis

Lilungulungu Zanthoxylum chalybeum

var. chalybeum

Lingulukila, Achyranthes aspera

Linyominyomi Leonotis nepetifolia

Linyowa Strychnos cocculoides

Lisapi Cucumis dipsaceus

Lisuka Emilia coccinea

Litangadasi Strychnos pungens

Livangala Ensete ventricosum

Lombo Nymphaea lotus

Lukalifya Caylusea abyssinica

Mbigili Oxygonum sinuatum

Mbwegele Sclerocarya birrea subsp.

caffra

Mdoda Rumex abyssinicus

Mdoda Rumex usambarensis

Mduma Garcinia smeathmannii

Mdunula Osyris lanceolata

Mdzombe Ficus sur

Mfilafila Garcinia kingäensis

Mfudu Vitex doniana

Mfumbi Kigelia africana

Mfwifwi Psorospermum febrifugum

Mgola Flacourtia indica

Mguhu Uapaca kirkiana

Mkalifya Caylusea abyssinica

Mkole Grewia bicolor

Mng’ulung’ulu Strychnos innocua

Mpelemehe Grewia mollis

Mpingipingi Ximenia americana

Mpingipingi Ximenia caffra

Mpugopugo Garcinia livingstonei

Msasati Vitex mombassae

Msaula Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Msawulwa Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Mtono Commiphora africana

Mtowo Azanza garckeana

Muhanjahanja Senna singueana

Musaulwa Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Muwewe Multidentia crassa

Mvanga ng’oma Balanites rotundifolia

Ndyavadimi Acalypha bipartita

Ndyavadimi Acalypha fruticosa

Ng’owo Eriosema burkei var.

burkei

Ngulukila Achyranthes aspera

Nyahedja Bidens schimperi

Nyahedza Bidens schimperi

Nyalenge Oxygonum sinuatum

Nyamachebele Satyrium macrophyllum

Nyamachebele Satyrium neglectum var.

neglectum

Nyamasebele Satyrium macrophyllum

Nyausako Cleome hirta

Nyava Dactyloctenium aegyptium

Nyava Dactyloctenium giganteum

Tambalanjoka Coccinia adoensis

Bende

Bunkundu Strychnos innocua

Kagobole Ziziphus mucronata subsp.

mucronata

Kajibajiba Syzygium owariense

Kashira-nguruwe Pseudospondias

microcarpa

Kasiamongo Syzygium owariense

Kilindila Aerva leucura

Kuti Pouteria adolfi-friedericii

subsp. australis

Mbula Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Mfila Annona senegalensis

Mfulu-legea Vitex madiensis subsp.

milanjiensis

Mfumbe Piliostigma thonningii

Mfungu Aerva leucura

Mhugambu Lantana trifolia

Mkole Grewia bicolor

Mkole-dume Grewia hexamita

Mkusu Uapaca kirkiana

Mnsakansaka Piliostigma thonningii

Msantu Ximenia americana

LOCAL NAMES

Msantu Ximenia caffra

Msekela Antidesma venosum

Mselala Antidesma venosum

Msepa Parkia filicoidea

Mshishi Tamarindus indica

Msinde Diospyros mespiliformis

Msisi Tamarindus indica

Msunga Flacourtia indica

Mtobo Azanza garckeana

Mugogolo Multidentia crassa

Mulalambo Syzygium guineense

Mulambo Syzygium guineense

Muzingilizi Sorindeia

madagascariensis

Mwenza Aerva leucura

Mweza Aerva leucura

Nsanda Bidens pilosa

Siponda Commiphora africana

Tambwe Ensete ventricosum

Tebwa Celosia schweinfurthiana

Bondei

Buuza Amaranthus spinosus

Bwache Amaranthus spinosus

Bwache-katonge Amaranthus spinosus

Danga-danga Portulaca oleracea

Funga-msanga Celosia trigyna

Fyofyokoe Abutilon angulatum

Fyofyokoe Abutilon mauritianum

Fyofyokoe Triumfetta cordifolia var.

tomentosa

Hombo-kisogo Rourea orientalis

Hombo-kiumbu Ormocarpum kirkii

Kibaazi-mzitu Eriosema ukingense

Kibwabwa Nicandra physaloides

Kibwando Corchorus fascicularis

Kibwando Corchorus tridens

Kibwando Corchorus trilocularis

Kisogo Rourea orientalis

Kisugu Platostoma africanum

Kiteguzi Dracaena mannii

Komanguku Senna occidentalis

Langa Tacca leontopetaloides

Lumaka Hibiscus acetosella

Mamata Pupalia lappacea var.

velutina

Mbigii Tribulus terrestris

Mbokwe Annona senegalensis

Mbuyu Adansonia digitata

Mdudu Thylachium africanum

Mfulwe Acalypha ornata

Mfune Sterculia africana

Mgama Mimusops kummel

Mgama Mimusops somaliensis

Mgambo Mimusops bagshawei

Mgambo Mimusops kummel

Mgambo Mimusops obtusifolia

Mgobe Vitex doniana

Mgobe Vitex ferruginea

Mgobe Vitex mombassae

Mhetele Dialium orientale

Mhuuga Lantana trifolia

Mkaafuu Pouzolzia mixta

Mkanye Allanblackia stuhlmanii

Mkanye Allanblackia ulugurensis

Mkonde Myrianthus arboreus

Mkonga Balanites wilsoniana

Mkwakwa Strychnos innocua

Mkwanga Zanha africana

Mkwazu Tamarindus indica

Mkwingwina Sorindeia

madagascariensis

Mlegea Kigelia africana

Mlenda Ceratotheca sesamoides

Mlungulungu Zanthoxylum chalybeum

var. chalybeum

Mnangu Grewia similis

Mng’ongo Sclerocarya birrea subsp.

caffra

Mnyembeuwe Erythrococca kirkii

Msamaka Aframomum albiflorum

Msamaka Aframomum angustifolium

Msamaka Cola scheffleri

Mshaa Rubus apetalus

Mshaa Rubus rigidus

Msosokolwe Triumfetta cordifolia var.

tomentosa

Mtambakuzimu

Deinbollia kilimandscharica var.

kilimandscharica

Mtonga Strychnos innocua

Mtonga Strychnos spinosa subsp.

lokua

Mtonkwe Annona senegalensis

Mugobe Vitex ferruginea

Mvilu Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Mviu Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Mvuma Borassus aethiopum

Mwanga Tacca leontopetaloides

Mwiza Bridelia micrantha

Ndiga Dioscorea dumetorum

Njujui Solanum anguivii

Njujui Solanum schumannianum

LOCAL NAMES

Bondei (contd)

Nkongo Commelina imberbis

Nkongo Commelina latifolia

Nywanywa Rumex abyssinicus

Nywanywa Rumex usambarensis

Pupu Laportea ovalifolia

Sambae Lobelia fervens subsp.

fervens

Sesemlanda Trichodesma zeylanicum

Sosokolwe Triumfetta cordifolia var.

tomentosa

Tako-da-hasani Portulaca oleracea

Tambuu Piper guineense

Tambwe Ensete ventricosum

Tebwa Aerva lanata

Tikini Asystasia gangetica

Tikini Asystasia mysorensis

Tonge Talinum portulacifolium

Tugu Dioscorea dumetorum

Twanguo Bidens pilosa

Ukakaka Rubia cordifolia

Unkobo Justicia heterocarpa

Utambaa-ngoswei Hewittia sublobata

Zuma Myrsine africana

Chagga

Efurie Lantana ukambensis

Efurie Lippia kituiensis

Ichawele Annona senegalensis

Ikengera Commelina africana

Ikengera Commelina benghalensis

Ikengera Commelina imberbis

Imbar’a Bidens pilosa

Iratune Aloe nutii

Isale Dracaena mannii

Isangaruhu Ensete ventricosum

Ishishina Lannea schweinfurthii var.

stuhlmannii

Iwasha Trichodesma zeylanicum

Iwero Rubus apetalus

Iwero Rubus rigidus

Kaworo Vangueria apiculata

Kaworo Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Kaworo Vangueria

madagascariensis

Kaworo Vangueria volkensii

Kichangoru Rubia cordifolia

Kitariche Rubia cordifolia

Kiviroe Vangueria apiculata

Kiweriweri Rumex abyssinicus

Kiweriweri Rumex usambarensis

Kiwiru Landolphia kilimanjarica

Kiya Dioscorea odoratissima

Kiyana kya mburu Amaranthus spinosus

Lama Ximenia americana

Machame Carissa edulis

Mang’we Sclerocarya birrea subsp.

caffra

Mango Sclerocarya birrea subsp.

caffra

Manka Carissa edulis

Marie Bridelia micrantha

Masdi Syzygium guineense

Mbachanga Cordyla africana

Mberegesa Osyris lanceolata

Mbiinu Oxygonum sinuatum

Mbindiyo Trichilia emetica

Mbowe Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Mchengo Trichilia emetica

Mchunga Sonchus luxurians

Mdara Oncoba spinosa

Mdowo Vangueria apiculata

Mdulu-ndugu Englerophytum natalense

Mgoda Sorindeia

madagascariensis

Mgweda Sorindeia

madagascariensis

Mkadi Diospyros mespiliformis

Mkakyi Tamarindus indica

Mkole Commelina africana

Mkondikondo Vangueria apiculata

Mkongoni Trichilia emetica

Mkuare Diospyros mespiliformis

Mkuu Adansonia digitata

Mkuu Ficus sansibarica

Mkuu Ficus sur

Mkuu Ficus sycomorus

Mlela Grewia similis

Mlenda Malva parviflora

Mmango Dovyalis abyssinica

Mmasai Syzygium guineense

Mmbindio Trichilia emetica

Mndaraho Sorindeia

madagascariensis

Mng’wang’wa Sorindeia

madagascariensis

Mohoromo Balanites aegyptiaca

Mokiki Momordica foetida

Monde Bridelia micrantha

Moya Tamarindus indica

Mpachama Cordyla africana

Mporori Cussonia spicata

LOCAL NAMES

Mpungulu Rhus natalensis

Mpungulu Rhus vulgaris

Mrisirisi Annona senegalensis

Mroma Cordyla africana

Mrowe Celosia trigyna

Mrua Trilepisium

madagascariense

Msambochi Flacourtia indica

Msanbachi Flacourtia indica

Msinde Diospyros mespiliformis

Mtomoko Annona senegalensis

Mtutu, Trichilia emetica

Mwaru Bridelia micrantha

Mwavai Trichilia emetica

Ndawiro Vangueria apiculata

Ndawiro Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Ndawiro Vangueria

madagascariensis

Ndawiro Vangueria volkensii

Ndowo Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Ndowo Vangueria

madagascariensis

Ndowo Vangueria volkensii

Ngapillo Englerophytum natalense

Ngapilo Englerophytum natalense

Ngetsi Embelia schimperi

Ngolowo Vigna pubescens

Ngombo Cardamine trichocarpa

Ngomighaa Sorindeia

madagascariensis

Nyungu Rhus vulgaris

Sale Dracaena afromontana

Ukiko Drymaria cordata

Digo

Chikura Antidesma venosum

Chimvuno Hygrophila auriculata

Chitadzi Ormocarpum kirkii

Chivwa kuku Aerva lanata

Duruma Flacourtia indica

Dzadza Commelina africana

Dzadza Commelina benghalensis

Dzova Borassus aethiopum

Fudumadzi Vitex mombassae

Futsure Asystasia gangetica

Futswe Asystasia gangetica

Kihuro Antidesma venosum

Kikwata Acacia senegal

Kisambwe Garcinia livingstonei

Kisogo Rourea orientalis

Kitazi Ormocarpum kirkii

Kitoria Landolphia kirkii

Kungala Hibiscus calyphyllus

Libugu Landolphia kirkii

Madungatundu Flacourtia indica

Makindu Phoenix reclinata

Mbara Diospyros mespiliformis

Mbokwe Annona senegalensis

Mbooya Ancylobotrys petersiana

Mbuyu Adansonia digitata

Mbwananyahi Rhus natalensis

Mbwananyahi Rhus vulgaris

Mchindu Phoenix reclinata

Mdungu Zanthoxylum chalybeum

var. chalybeum

Mfudukoma Vitex mombassae

Mfungatanzu Garcinia livingstonei

Mgorodo Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

Mgwanyahi Rhus natalensis

Mjirambiri Synaptolepis kirkii

Mkoma Hyphaene compressa

Mkoma lume Hyphaene compressa

Mkoma lume Hyphaene coriacea

Mkonga Balanites rotundifolia

Mkonga Balanites wilsoniana

Mkulu Diospyros mespiliformis

Mkunguma Sorindeia

madagascariensis

Mkuta-manena Phyllanthus engleri

Mkwadzu Tamarindus indica

Mkwaju Tamarindus indica

Mkwakwa Strychnos innocua

Mng’ongo Sclerocarya birrea subsp.

caffra

Mngongo Sclerocarya birrea subsp.

caffra

Mnyondoiya Flacourtia indica

Mpira Landolphia kirkii

Mpwakapwaka Chytranthus obliquinervis

Mrungurungu Zanthoxylum chalybeum

var. chalybeum

Msezi Manilkara sulcata

Mtonga Strychnos innocua

Mtonga Strychnos spinosa subsp.

lokua

Mtsekeshe Piliostigma thonningii

Mtserere Hoslundia opposita

Mtundakula Ximenia

americana

Mtute Ormocarpum kirkii

LOCAL NAMES

Digo (contd)

Mudhungu Zanthoxylum chalybeum

var. chalybeum

Mudzala Uvaria acuminata

Mudzala Uvaria lucida subsp.

lucida

Mugiaki Syzygium guineense

Mugugune Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

Muhonga Strychnos

madagascariensis

Mumbweni Uvaria acuminata

Mung’ambo Manilkara sansibarensis

Munjirembiri Synaptolepis kirkii

Munua-nyoka Adenia gummifera

Mupwanga Dracaena mannii

Musikiro Strychnos

madagascariensis

Mutseketse Piliostigma thonningii

Muvuma Vangueria apiculata

Muzanira-kuzimu Synaptolepis kirkii

Muziahi Syzygium cordatum

Muziahi Syzygium guineense

Muziyahe Syzygium guineense

Mviru Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Mvumo Borassus aethiopum

Mwalavi Hibiscus surattensis

Mwambangoma Balanites aegyptiaca

Mwawawu Hibiscus surattensis

Mzangatchango Antidesma venosum

Mzezi Manilkara sulcata

Mzihae Syzygium cordatum

Ngolokolo Borassus aethiopum

Nzezi Manilkara sulcata

Tako-la-hasani Portulaca oleracea

Tala-kushe Asystasia gangetica

Tebwe Aerva lanata

Toro Nymphaea lotus

Vibooya Ancylobotrys petersiana

Vitoria Ancylobotrys petersiana

English

African arrowroot Tacca leontopetaloides

African bitter yam Dioscorea dumetorum

African bread fruit Treculia africana

African canarium Canarium

schweinfurthii

African ebony Diospyros

mespiliformis

African fan palm Borassus aethiopum

African mangosteen Garcinia livingstonei

African sandalwood Osyris lanceolata

African star chestnut Sterculia africana

African tragacanth Sterculia tragacantha

Arrow-poison plant Acokanthera schimperi

Arrow-poison tree Acokanthera

oppositifolia

Ashanti pepper Piper guineense

Babul Acacia nilotica

Baobab Adansonia digitata

Bastard dwaba-berry Friesodielsia obovata

Bastard fig Trilepisium

madagascariense

Bird plum Berchemia discolor

Black plum Vitex doniana

Black plum Vitex payos var. payos

Blackjack Bidens pilosa

Blue commelina Commelina

benghalensis

Blue lotus of Egypt Nymphaea nouchali

var. caerulea

Borassus palm Borassus aethiopum

Border plant Alternanthera tenella

var. bettzickiana

Brown ivory Berchemia discolor

Buffalo thorn Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

Cabbage tree Cussonia spicata

Cactus Opuntia vulgaris

Caltrops Tribulus terrestris

Camel’s foot tree Piliostigma thonningii

Cape mahogany Trichilia emetica

Cape myrtle Myrsine africana

Careless weed Amaranthus spinosus

Catch thorn Ziziphus abyssinica

Ceylon borage Trichodesma

zeylanicum

Chinese date Ziziphus mauritiana

Chocolate berry Vitex payos var. payos

Christmas berry Psorospermum

febrifugum

Cider tree Sclerocarya birrea

subsp. caffra

Cluster yam Dioscorea dumetorum

Common poison bush Acokanthera schimperi

Common purselane Portulaca oleracea

Common wild medlar Vangueria

madagascariensis

Cork-wood tree Ricinodendron

heudelotii subsp.

africanum

Corky bark strychnos Strychnos cocculoides

LOCAL NAMES

Crooked false medlar Vangueriopsis

lanciflora

Crow-foot grass Dactyloctenium

aegyptium

Debeb palm Borassus aethiopum

Desert date Balanites aegyptiaca

Donkey berry Grewia bicolor

Doum palm Hyphaene compressa

Doum palm Hyphaene coriacea

Doum palm Hyphaene petersiana

Dull-leaved strychnos Strychnos innocua

Dune myrtle Eugenia capensis

subsp. nyassensis

Dwarf medlar Pygmaeothamnus

zeyheri

East African cotton Bombax

tree rhodognaphalon var.

tomentosum

East African

sandalwood Osyris lanceolata

Egyptian plane tree Sterculia quinqueloba

Egyptian thorn Acacia nilotica

Elephant toothbrush Cussonia spicata

False fig Trilepisium

madagascariense

False marula Lannea schweinfurthii

var. stuhlmannii

False medlar Vangueria infausta

subsp. rotundata

False sandalwood Ximenia americana

Fan palm Hyphaene petersiana

Fig Ficus sansibarica

Fig Ficus vallis-choudae

Fish-poison bean Tylosema fassoglense

Forest mahogany Trichilia dregeana

Forest milkberry Manilkara discolor

Forest mobola plum Parinari excelsa

Geb Ziziphus mauritiana

Giant aroid Typhonodorum

lindleyanum

Giant yellow mulberry Myrianthus holstii

Glossy flat-bean Dalbergia nitidula

Governor’s plum Flacourtia indica

Granite garcinia Garcinia buchananii

Grey-leaved cordia Cordia sinensis

Grey-leaved saucer

berry Cordia sinensis

Gum arabic tree Acacia nilotica

Gum arabic tree Acacia senegal

Indian jujube Ziziphus mauritiana

Indian plum Flacourtia indica

Indian plum Ziziphus mauritiana

Ivy gourd Coccinia grandis

Jackal berry Diospyros

mespiliformis

Joseph’s coat Alternanthera tenella

var. bettzickiana

Jujube Ziziphus mauritiana

Kei apple Dovyalis caffra

Knobwood Zanthoxylum

chalybeum var.

chalybeum

Large caterpillar pod Ormocarpum

trichocarpum

Large cluster pear Uvaria lucida subsp.

lucida

Large sourplum Ximenia caffra

Large-flowered

yellow grewia Grewia hexamita

Large-leaved star

chestnut Sterculia quinqueloba

Large-leaved sterculia Sterculia quinqueloba

Long-leaved dragon

tree Dracaena mannii

Maasai stinging

nettle Urtica massaica

Mallow Malva parviflora

Mallow Malva verticillata

Mastic tree Pistacia aethiopica

Milk apple Dictyophleba lucida

Milk berry Manilkara mochisia

Mobola plum Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Monkey fingers Friesodielsia obovata

Monkey orange Strychnos cocculoides

Monkey rope Adenia gummifera

Monkeybread Piliostigma thonningii

Marula Sclerocarya birrea

subsp. caffra

Marula plum Sclerocarya birrea

subsp. caffra

Mottled-bark

canthium Canthium burttii

Multidentia Multidentia fanshawei

Mustard tree Salvadora persica

Myrianthus Myrianthus holstii

Myrsine Myrsine africana

Natal mahogany Trichilia emetica

Natal milk plum Englerophytum

natalense

Northern African Xylotheca tettensis var.

dog-rose kirkii

Northern dwaba-berry

Friesodielsia obovata

LOCAL NAMES

English (contd)

Northern forest

garcinia Garcinia kingäensis

Northern wild myrtle Eugenia capensis

subsp. nyassensis

Old man’s gold Abutilon mauritianum

Orange-milk tree Harungana

madagascariensis

Palmyra palm Borassus aethiopum

Parasol tree Sterculia tragacantha

Pink diospyros Diospyros kirkii

Poison-arrow tree Acokanthera schimperi

Poison-grub

commiphora Commiphora africana

Poor man’s gold Abutilon mauritianum

Prickly amaranth Amaranthus spinosus

Prickly pear Opuntia vulgaris

Puncture vine Tribulus terrestris

Purplewood dalbergia Dalbergia nitidula

Purslane Portulaca oleracea

River litchi Lecaniodiscus

fraxinifolius subsp.

vaughanii

Rough chaff flower Achyranthes aspera

Round-fruited red

milkwood Mimusops obtusifolia

Round-leaved Chenopodium

goosefoot opulifolium

Rubber vine Landolphia kirkii

Rubber vine Landolphia parvifolia

Sage brush Lantana trifolia

Sage brush Lantana ukambensis

Sandpaper tree Cordia monoica

Sausage tree Kigelia africana

Scarlet gourd Coccinia grandis

Scented-pod acacia Acacia nilotica

Sea purslane Sesuvium

portulacastrum

Sedge plant Lippia kituiensis

Senegal date Phoenix reclinata

Sesame bush Sesamothamnus

busseanus

Shakama plum Hexalobus

monopetalus

Simple-spined carissa Carissa edulis

Small caterpillar pod Ormocarpum kirkii

Small sourplum Ximenia americana

Small-fruited Syzygium masukuense

waterberry subsp. masukuense

Smelly-berry vitex Vitex mombassae

Snot apple Azanza garckeana

Snowberry tree Flueggea virosa

Soap berry Deinbollia borbonica

Soap berry

Deinbollia kilimandscharica

var. kilimandscharica

Soft-leaved Commiphora

commiphora mossambicensis

Sorrel Rumex usambarensis

Southern ilala palm Hyphaene petersiana

Spineless monkey Strychnos

orange madagascariensis

Spiny amaranth Amaranthus spinosus

Spiny monkey orange Strychnos spinosa

subsp. lokua

Spiny-leaved monkey

orange Strychnos pungens

Sprawling bauhinia Tylosema fassoglense

Stem fruit Englerophytum

magalismontanum

Stinking weed Senna occidentalis

Sudan gum arabic Acacia senegal

Sycamore fig Ficus sycomorus

Tall sterculia Sterculia

appendiculata

Tallow nut Ximenia americana

Tamarind Tamarindus indica

Tangle-flowered wild

medlar Vangueria apiculata

Tassel berry Antidesma venosum

Teasel gourd Cucumis dipsaceus

Thicket combretum Combretum padoides

Thorn pear Scolopia zeyheri

Three-leaved yam Dioscorea dumetorum

Three-thorned acacia Acacia senegal

Tick tree Sterculia africana

Toothbrush bush Salvadora persica

Toothbrush tree Salvadora persica

Tree hibiscus Azanza garckeana

Tuck-berry Lantana camara

Uapaca Uapaca kirkiana

Velvet-fruited zanha Zanha africana

Waterberry Syzygium owariense

Water lettuce Pistia stratiotes

Water lily Nymphaea nouchali

var. caerulea

Water pear Syzygium guineense

Waterberry tree Syzygium cordatum

Waterberry Syzygium guineense

White lotus Nymphaea lotus

Wild almond Berchemia discolor

Wild banana Ensete ventricosum

Wild cardamom Aframomum

albiflorum

LOCAL NAMES

Wild cardamom Aframomum

angustifolium

Wild coffee Coffea mufindiensis

Wild custard apple Annona senegalensis

Wild date palm Phoenix reclinata

Wild fig Ficus sur

Wild grape Cissus cornifolia

Wild grape Lannea rivae

Wild grenadilla Adenia gummifera

Wild jackfruit Treculia africana

Wild kapok tree Bombax

rhodognaphalon var.

tomentosum

Wild loquat Uapaca kirkiana

Wild mango Cordyla africana

Wild medlar Vangueria infausta

subsp. rotundata

Wild medlar Vangueria

madagascariensis

Wild medlar Vangueria volkensii

Wild plum Ximenia americana

Wild simsim Sesamum calycinum

var. angustifolium

Wild sorghum Sorghum purpureo-

sericeum

Wild tea Lippia kituiensis

Wild vine Cyphostemma

bullatum

Wild vine Cyphostemma njegerre

Wild yam Dioscorea

sansibarensis

Winter cassia Senna singueana

Winter lotus Nymphaea lotus

Y-thorned carissa Carissa bispinosa

Fiome

Ahntsi Opuntia vulgaris

Amafughun Strychnos spinosa subsp.

lokua

Baghalmo-lambi Cordia sinensis

Booami Fadogia ancylantha

Booami Fadogia elskensii var.

elskensii

Galapi Piliostigma thonningii

Kuyu Ficus sycomorus

Lomo Grewia villosa

Maendahakhai Phyllanthus engleri

Mjirya Balanites aegyptiaca

Morungi Zanthoxylum chalybeum

var. chalybeum

Fipa

Binika Habenaria epipactidea

Kiputu Vitex doniana

Kiputu Vitex ferruginea

Kiputu Vitex fischeri

Kiputu Vitex madiensis subsp.

milanjiensis

Kiputu Vitex mombassae

Kiputu Vitex payos var. payos

Kivuzi Ficus sycomorus

Mbululu Alsodeiopsis schumannii

Mchinka Vitex doniana

Mchinka Vitex mombassae

Mfulu Vitex mombassae

Mfumbe Piliostigma thonningii

Mfuru Vitex doniana

Mkaisya Osyris lanceolata

Mkiinka Vitex mombassae

Mkinka Vitex mombassae

Mkungulanga Sterculia quinqueloba

Mlalambo Syzygium guineense

Mlangali Bridelia micrantha

Mpelemusi Sterculia quinqueloba

Msada Vangueria

madagascariensis

Msaguye Sterculia quinqueloba

Msanda Canthium oligocarpum

subsp. oligocarpum

Msanda Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Msangula Rhus natalensis

Msindamboga Piliostigma thonningii

Msu Syzygium cordatum

Msu Syzygium guineense

Msuuku Carissa edulis

Mtonga Strychnos spinosa subsp.

lokua

Mufita Vitex doniana

Munyamaji Bridelia micrantha

Musu Syzygium cordatum

Musu Syzygium guineense

Mwanga Flacourtia indica

Mwengele Pouteria adolfi-friedericii

subsp. australis

Mwikalatulo Pappea capensis

Mwula Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Mwunza Pappea capensis

Nakalondo Fadogia elskensii var.

elskensii

Nakalondo Fadogia stenophylla

Nakifumbe Piliostigma thonningii

LOCAL NAMES

Fipa (contd)

Nzungwa Kigelia africana

Popwe Zanthoxylum chalybeum

var. chalybeum

Tochi Ensete ventricosum

Unku Ficus sur

Yunga Syzygium owariense

Gogo

Gole Adenia racemosa

Ihoma-ng’ombe Hygrophila auriculata

Ilendi-lya-

mhonjela Sesamum angolense

Ilimi-lya-ng’ombe Trichodesma zeylanicum

Itembwe Aloe nutii

Kidingulio Aloe nutii

Kisalasala Momordica foetida

Kisesetya Grewia similis

Lyungulyungu Coccinia grandis

Mbahuza mtwe Canthium burttii

Mbwanhubwanhu Canthium burttii

Mbwejele Sclerocarya birrea subsp.

caffra

Mdawi Cordia monoica

Mdawi Cordia sinensis

Mdawi-sogwe Cordia sinensis

Mduguyu Balanites aegyptiaca

Mfuko Acacia nilotica

Mfuku Acacia nilotica

Mfulu Vitex doniana

Mfulu Vitex ferruginea

Mfulu Vitex payos var. payos

Mfungulo Chenopodium opulifolium

Mgandu Berchemia discolor

Mgukwe Grewia hexamita

Mgwelu Grewia fallax

Mgwelu Grewia hexamita

Mhafuta Grewia hexamita

Mhangalale Bidens pilosa

Mhilile Cleome hirta

Mhunungu Zanthoxylum chalybeum

var. chalybeum

Mjiha Dalbergia nitidula

Mjingu Ximenia caffra

Mkole Grewia bicolor

Mkole Grewia mollis

Mkonze Manilkara mochisia

Mkuju Ficus vallis-choudae

Mkunghuni Salvadora persica

Mkunungu Zanthoxylum chalybeum

var. chalybeum

Mkuyu Ficus sycomorus

Mkuyu Ficus vallis-choudae

Mkwata Cordyla africana

Mkwata Cordyla densiflora

Mlala Hyphaene compressa

Mlala Hyphaene coriacea

Mlungulungu Zanthoxylum chalybeum

var. chalybeum

Mluze Sterculia africana

Mlyang’ungu Sesamothamnus

busseanus

Mmumbulu Manilkara obovata

Mnangwe Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

Mnghanangha Lannea humilis

Mnhulwa Strychnos innocua

Mnhulwa Strychnos

madagascariensis

Mnyangwe Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

Mnyangwe-mwaha Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

Mnzuyuyu Dovyalis abyssinica

Mpakapaka Canthium burttii

Mpakapaka Feretia apodanthera

subsp. tanzaniensis

Mpela Adansonia digitata

Mpelemehe Grewia platyclada

Mrumba Ficus sycomorus

Msabi Lannea fulva

Msada Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Msada Vangueria

madagascariensis

Msakasaka Maerua decumbens

Msechela Psydrax parviflora subsp.

rubrocostata

Msele Delonix elata

Msenha Cordia monoica

Msilale Commiphora africana

Msisi Tamarindus indica

Msomvugo Commiphora africana

Mswaga Senna singueana

Mtafuta Grewia bicolor

Mtafuta Grewia similis

Mtori Pappea capensis

Mtoyo Azanza garckeana

Mtulu Opilia amentacea

Mtundwe Ximenia americana

Mtundwe Ximenia caffra

Muanga Pappea capensis

Mubefu Bussea massaiensis

Mufuku Acacia nilotica

LOCAL NAMES

Mugama Mimusops kummel

Muhulo Syzygium cordatum

Muhulo Syzygium guineense

Muhulo Syzygium sclerophyllum

Muhumba Senna singueana

Muhuu Syzygium cordatum

Muhuu Syzygium guineense

Muhuu Syzygium sclerophyllum

Mulala Hyphaene petersiana

Mulumba Ficus glumosa var.

glaberrina

Mulumba Ficus ingens

Muluze Sterculia africana

Muluze Sterculia mhosya

Muluze Sterculia quinqueloba

Mulyanhungu Sesamothamnus

busseanus

Mumbulu Manilkara obovata

Muwaha Lantana camara

Muwinganzoka Senna occidentalis

Muwumbu Lannea rivae

Muwumbu Lannea schweinfurthii var.

stuhlmannii

Muwumbu Maerua decumbens

Muwurubu Lannea fulva

Mwambangoma Balanites aegyptiaca

Mwimachigulu Thylachium africanum

Myembe-mwitu Trichilia emetica

Mzasa Acacia senegal

Mzuyuyu Dovyalis macrocalyx

Njelula Duosperma crenatum

Nyembemwitu Trichilia emetica

Utumbu Cucumis dipsaceus

Gorowa

Aambalangw Rhus longipes

Aantsi Ficus sycomorus

Aarmo-desu Delonix elata

Amafa-aa Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Awartu Syzygium cordatum

Bagharimo Cordia monoica

Baryomodi Acacia nilotica

Da-aahugmo Psorospermum febrifugum

Dakaumo Adansonia digitata

Dalaagi Senna singueana

Datei Rhus longipes

Dati Kigelia africana

Datlaii Rhus vulgaris

Datlii Rhus longipes

Firaakwi Grewia platyclada

Fraaki Canthium lactescens

Furudou Strychnos innocua

Galapi Piliostigma thonningii

Getakhubay Pappea capensis

Ghal-landi Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

Ghalmi Bidens pilosa

Gulgurchandi Sclerocarya birrea subsp.

caffra

Hanarmo Cordia sinensis

Hawi Balanites aegyptiaca

Ijiraombe Syzygium cordatum

Indakhakha Phyllanthus engleri

Intsanti Phoenix reclinata

Itiwi Lannea fulva

Khkokhoi Strychnos spinosa subsp.

lokua

Kwantzi Achyranthes aspera

Lomo Grewia bicolor

Lomo Grewia mollis

Lomo-peh Grewia platyclada

Lomodu-aawak Grewia fallax

Maanyangu Ximenia caffra

Maayangumo Ximenia caffra

Mahheli Myrsine africana

Mathar Hoslundia opposita

Matlarimo Hoslundia opposita

Matsalmo Hoslundia opposita

Mithingiti Tamarindus indica

Mnughumo Zanha africana

Morungi Zanthoxylum chalybeum

var. chalybeum

Msaki Salvadora persica

Msugwe Sorindeia

madagascariensis

Mummui Dovyalis abyssinica

Natsiayi Ormocarpum kirkii

Niimo Commiphora africana

Nunuhay Achyranthes aspera

Oroondi Momordica foetida

Orrolmo Vitex doniana

Saski Grewia similis

Siginyanyi Osyris lanceolata

Tarantu Ximenia americana

Thaki Trichodesma zeylanicum

Thati Hyphaene petersiana

Thogi Azanza garckeana

Titiwi Carissa edulis

Tlaghay Azanza garckeana

Tlambau Vitex mombassae

Tsalmi Lannea fulva

Tsapenai Flacourtia indica

LOCAL NAMES

Buliga-kubwa Dioscorea schimperiana

Bulyankende Monanthotaxis poggei

Ingege Lannea rivae

Intabali Lannea rivae

Intulakigina Lannea rivae

Itiguligwa Dioscorea odoratissima

Ituguligwa Dioscorea quartiniana var.

quartiniana

Ituguligwa Dioscorea schimperiana

Itungulu Aframomum

angustifolium

Luzu Synsepalum ceraciferum

Mabungo madogo Dictyophleba lucida

Mbogonte Syzygium guineense

Mgugunwa Vangueria apiculata

Mgusu Uapaca kirkiana

Mgwiza Pseudospondias

microcarpa

Mhandehande Uapaca nitida

Mkavu Salacia leptoclada

Mnyongayonga Trichilia dregeana

Msivia Syzygium cordatum

Mtandaruka Trichilia emetica

Umubhungo Saba comorensis

Umubhungo Salacia leptoclada

Umufe Myrianthus arboreus

Umugugunwa Vangueria apiculata

Umugusu Uapaca kirkiana

Umuhandehande Uapaca nitida

Umuhongo Strychnos

madagascariensis

Umuhongo kome Strychnos innocua

Umukakili Zanha africana

Umukanda Annona senegalensis

Umukeri Rhus vulgaris

Umunazi Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Umunyinya Osyris lanceolata

Umupapa Vitex madiensis subsp.

milanjiensis

Umusalasi Garcinia buchananii

Umusalasi Garcinia smeathmannii

Umushamgumu Grewia mollis

Umushindwi Anisophyllea boehmii

Umushindwi Anisophyllea pomifera

Umutobho Uapaca sansibarica

Umuvyiru Vitex madiensis subsp.

milanjiensis

Umuyonza Carissa edulis

Umuziaziga Antidesma venosum

Uvyiru Vitex madiensis subsp.

milanjiensis

Entare yeirungo Zanthoxylum chalybeum

var. chalybeum

Makindu Phoenix reclinata

Mbafu Canarium schweinfurthii

Mbungu Treculia africana

Mchwezi Syzygium guineense

Mgugunwa Vangueria volkensii

Mkomakoma Grewia bicolor

Mkunya Manilkara mochisia

Mkunya Manilkara obovata

Mkunya Manilkara sansibarensis

Moyonzaki Carissa edulis

Msagara Rhus natalensis

Msali Mimusops bagshawei

Msamina Oldfieldia dactylophylla

Msangati Canthium lactescens

Mshamako Bridelia micrantha

Mshangati Psydrax parviflora subsp.

rubrocostata

Mshumako Bridelia micrantha

Mtabagira Canthium oligocarpum

subsp. oligocarpum

Mtindambogo Piliostigma thonningii

Mubafu Canarium schweinfurthii

Muchwesi Syzygium guineense

Mugege Syzygium cordatum

Muhunge Raphia farinifera

Mukuaya Manilkara obovata

Mukuwe Bridelia micrantha

Mulamula Dracaena mannii

Munanzi Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Munazi Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Mushamako Bridelia micrantha

Musivya Antidesma venosum

Mutendere Dracaena mannii

Muyanza Carissa edulis

Muyonza Carissa edulis

Muziru Pseudospondias

microcarpa

Mzungute Kigelia africana

Omubolu Pseudospondias

microcarpa

Omufuru Vitex ferruginea

Omukanaga Scolopia rhamniphylla

Omukangali Dovyalis macrocalyx

Omukanse Vitex ferruginea

Omukuwe Bridelia micrantha

Omunyinya Osyris lanceolata

Omusha mako Bridelia micrantha

LOCAL NAMES

Omushaasha Aframomum

angustifolium

Omusheshe Rhus natalensis

Omutura Solanum schumannianum

Umondo Raphia farinifera

Umubalu Pseudospondias

microcarpa

Umukoma Grewia similis

Umusagara Rhus vulgaris

Umusivya Antidesma venosum

Umutoketoke Antidesma venosum

Hehe

Chambata Ceratotheca sesamoides

Chamilang’uku Amaranthus spinosus

Chung’ungu Sesamothamnus

busseanus

Fitokoli Tapiphyllum burnettii

Ilolompya Mollugo cerviana

Isanyanga Hygrophila auriculata

Kaganza ka

mwana Aerva lanata

Kahawa-msitu Coffea mufindiensis

Kibogaboga. Mollugo cerviana

Kihogolo Hyphaene compressa

Kihomolwa Lycium europaeum

Kikande Satyrium macrophyllum

Kilya-vahunzi Cyphostemma njegerre

Kimulikwi kidala Corchorus tridens

Kimulikwi kigosi Corchorus

pseudocapsularis

Kimulikwi-jike Corchorus tridens

Kimulkwi Corchorus

pseudocapsularis

Kindokoli Fadogia ancylantha

Kindokoli Fadogia cienkowskii var.

cienkowskii

Kindokoli Fadogia elskensii var.

elskensii

Kindokoli Fadogia homblei

Kindokoli Fadogia stenophylla

Kindokoli Fadogia tetraquerta var.

grandiflora

Kindokoli Fadogia triphylla var.

gorgii

Kindokoli Leptactina benguelensis

Kindokoli Pygmaeothamnus zeyheri

Kindokoli Tapiphyllum burnettii

Kindokoli Tapiphyllum cinerascens

var. cinerascens

Kindokoli Tapiphyllum discolor

Kindokoli Tapiphyllum obtusifolium

Kitimbwi kidala Ormocarpum kirkii

Kitimbwi kigosi Ormocarpum

trichocarpum

Kitokoli Fadogia ancylantha

Kitokoli Fadogia cienkowskii var.

cienkowskii

Kitokoli Fadogia elskensii var.

elskensii

Kitokoli Fadogia homblei

Kitokoli Fadogia stenophylla

Kitokoli Fadogia tetraquerta var.

grandiflora

Kitokoli Fadogia triphylla var.

gorgii

Kitokoli Leptactina benguelensis

Kitokoli Pygmaeothamnus zeyheri

Kitokoli Tapiphyllum cinerascens

var. cinerascens

Kitokoli Tapiphyllum discolor

Kitokoli Tapiphyllum obtusifolium

Kivengi Eugenia capensis subsp.

nyassensis

Kivengi Eugenia malangensis

Lichamilang’uku Amaranthus spinosus

Lidung’o Rubus apetalus

Lidung’o Rubus rigidus

Lifweni Aerva leucura

Lifweni Amaranthus spinosus

Lifweni likomi Celosia trigyna

Lihana Triumfetta cordifolia var.

tomentosa

Likidindi Opuntia vulgaris

Likolowoga Commelina africana

Likolowoga Commelina benghalensis

Likombe Corchorus trilocularis

Likweta Hyphaene compressa

Lilendi Sesamum angolense

Lilendi mtali Sesamum calycinum var.

angustifolium

Lilimbili Ensete ventricosum

Limwapembe Satyrium neglectum var.

neglectum

Linyimbili Rumex usambarensis

Lipembapemba Rumex abyssinicus

Lisanzauki Leonotis nepetifolia

Litambalanzoka Momordica rostrata

Litembwetembwe Aloe nutii

Livanivani Bidens pilosa

Liwungowungo Landolphia kilimanjarica

Liwungowungo Landolphia kirkii

Liwungowungo Landolphia parvifolia

Liyenzi Rourea orientalis

LOCAL NAMES

Hehe (contd)

Lizwana Saba comorensis

Lubehe Nymphaea lotus

Lugeni Achyranthes aspera

Lugeni Laportea ovalifolia

Luhongole Lantana camara

Luhongole Lantana trifolia

Luhongole Lantana ukambensis

Luhongole Lippia kituiensis

Lukalifya Caylusea abyssinica

Lukokonza Opilia amentacea

Lulyamindi Pupalia lappacea var.

velutina

Lumwino Rubus apetalus

Lupebeta Lantana camara

Lutini Erythrococca kirkii

Mbaya Strychnos innocua

Mbaya Strychnos pungens

Mbigili Tribulus terrestris

Mbugavugoo Eugenia malangensis

Mbwegele Sclerocarya birrea subsp.

caffra

Mbwewe Multidentia crassa

Mdawi Cordia sinensis

Mdegege Multidentia fanshawei

Mditsi Dovyalis abyssinica

Mduguya Balanites aegyptiaca

Mduguya Friesodielsia obovata

Mduma Garcinia buchananii

Mdung’o Rubus apetalus

Mdunula Osyris lanceolata

Mfilafila Garcinia buchananii

Mfilafila Garcinia smeathmannii

Mfilafila Trilepisium

madagascariense

Mfiwi Hexalobus monopetalus

Mftsa Myrianthus holstii

Mfudu Vitex ferruginea

Mfudululenga Vitex mombassae

Mfulu Vitex payos var. payos

Mfumbi Kigelia africana

Mfumbwe Carissa edulis

Mfutsa Myrianthus arboreus

Mfutsa Myrianthus holstii

Mfyuwi Hexalobus monopetalus

Mgambata Ceratotheca sesamoides

Mgandu Berchemia discolor

Mgola Dovyalis abyssinica

Mgola Dovyalis macrocalyx

Mgola Dovyalis xanthocarpa

Mgola Flacourtia indica

Mgola Scolopia rhamniphylla

Mgola Scolopia stolzii

Mgola Scolopia theifolia

Mgola Scolopia zeyheri

Mguhu Uapaca kirkiana

Mgulumo Lannea fulva

Mhamamala Canthium oligocarpum

subsp. oligocarpum

Mhang’ana Hibiscus diversifolius

Mhilili Cleome hirta

Mhomang’ambako Canthium oligocarpum

subsp. oligocarpum

Mhomanga Canthium oligocarpum

subsp. oligocarpum

Mhungulu Pappea capensis

Mingi Ximenia americana

Mkaapu Grewia fallax

Mkahawa-musitu Coffea mufindiensis

Mkalifya Caylusea abyssinica

Mkanzaula Parinari excelsa

Mkingiligiti Phyllanthus engleri

Mkoga Vitex payos var. payos

Mkole Grewia bicolor

Mkole Grewia hexamita

Mkole Grewia mollis

Mkole Grewia platyclada

Mkole Grewia similis

Mkombalwiko Piliostigma thonningii

Mkondo Adansonia digitata

Mkongela Sesamum angolense

Mkumba Rothmannia engleriana

Mkung’uni Salvadora persica

Mkusu Uapaca kirkiana

Mkwaliti Myrianthus holstii

Mkwaliti Syzygium sclerophyllum

Mkwata Cordyla africana

Mkwata Cordyla densiflora

Mkwelangedege Sterculia quinqueloba

Mlala Hyphaene coriacea

Mlenda mtali Sesamum calycinum var.

angustifolium

Mlenda mtali Sesamum angolense

Mlinga Lannea humilis

Mlingalinga Lannea humilis

Mlyangola Deinbollia borbonica

Mlyangola Deinbollia

kilimandscharica var.

kilimandscharica

Mlyasungura Hoslundia opposita

Mnanyeza Feretia apodanthera

subsp. tanzaniensis

Mnyali Tamarindus indica

Mnyonzi Cussonia spicata

LOCAL NAMES

Mnywewa Strychnos cocculoides

Mnzuyuyu Dovyalis macrocalyx

Mpacha Coffea mufindiensis

Mpalang’anga, Bridelia micrantha

Mpelemehe Grewia bicolor

Mpelemehe Grewia mollis

Mpelemehe Grewia platyclada

Mpelemehe Grewia similis

Mpepete Garcinia livingstonei

Mpilipili Sorindeia

madagascariensis

Mpukopuko Garcinia livingstonei

Mpumba Rothmannia engleriana

Msada Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Msadasada Multidentia fanshawei

Msambalawe Vangueria apiculata

Msambalawe Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Msambalawe Vangueria

madagascariensis

Msambalawe Vangueria volkensii

Msambalawe

lulenga Vangueriopsis lanciflora

Msasati Vitex mombassae

Msaula Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Msaula Parinari excelsa

Mseele Delonix elata

Msena Cordia monoica

Msesetya Grewia bicolor

Msombe Ficus glumosa var.

glaberrina

Msombe Ficus ingens

Msombe Ficus sur

Msombe Ficus sycomorus

Msowowi Cordia monoica

Msungu Acokanthera schimperi

Mtangadasi Strychnos pungens

Mtangadasi Strychnos spinosa subsp.

lokua

Mtema Bauhinia kalantha

Mtowo Azanza garckeana

Mtundwa Ximenia caffra

Mtundwahavi Ximenia americana

Mtunumbi Rhus natalensis

Mtwaki Pouzolzia mixta

Mtweve Aframomum

angustifolium

Mufutsa Myrianthus holstii

Mugama Mimusops kummel

Muhanza Senna singueana

Muhehefu Rhus vulgaris

Munyali Tamarindus indica

Muungo Saba comorensis

Muvalambe Alsodeiopsis schumannii

Muvengi Syzygium cordatum

Muvengi Syzygium guineense

Muvengi Syzygium masukuense

subsp. masukuense

Muvengi Syzygium sclerophyllum

Muvengi lulenga Syzygium cordatum

Muvengi lutanana Syzygium guineense

Muvulambe Alsodeiopsis schumannii

Muwewe Multidentia crassa

Muwulagavega Acacia nilotica

Muwumbu Lannea rivae

Mvalambi Myrianthus holstii

Mvambandusi Balanites rotundifolia

Mvambandusi Carissa edulis

Mvambangoma Piliostigma thonningii

Mwesa Bridelia micrantha

Mzuyuyu Dovyalis xanthocarpa

Nandalamwani Dolichos trilobus

Ngorowoga Commelina benghalensis

Nyakaganza ka

mwana Aerva lanata

Nyakamage Cleome monophylla

Nyakapulikilo Convolvulus farinosus

Nyakapulikilo Ipomoea cairica var.

cairica

Nyakapulikilo Ipomoea pres-caprae

Nyakibiki Acanthopale laxiflora

Nyakibiki Erythrococca kirkii

Nyakigoma Acanthopale laxiflora

Nyakisesetya Grewia similis

Nyakisumbi Polygonum pulchrum

Nyalufungulo Abutilon angulatum

Nyalufungulo Chenopodium opulifolium

Nyaluhanga Corchorus fascicularis

Nyalulimi Heliotropium

lwisenga zeylanicum

Nyaluvafya Laportea ovalifolia

Nyaluvafya Tragia insuarvis

Nyamabumu Abutilon angulatum

Nyamabumu Abutilon longicuspe

Nyamabumu Abutilon mauritianum

Nyamaganga Senna occidentalis

Nyamayingiya Pistia stratiotes

Nyambede Cucumis aculeatus

Nyambede Cucumis figarei

Nyambigili Oxygonum sinuatum

Nyamkole Grewia bicolor

Nyamkole Grewia similis

LOCAL NAMES

Hehe (contd)

Nyamtitu Dicliptera laxata

Nyamtulo Erythrococca kirkii

Nyamtulo Opilia amentacea

Nyanandala Dolichos trilobus

Nyanandala Vigna pubescens

Nyandanga Kedrostis leloja

Nyang’oleko Adenia racemosa

Nyangasi Crotalaria natalitia var.

natalitia

Nyangelula. Duosperma crenatum

Nyangogo Hygrophila auriculata

Nyangomba Sesuvium portulacastrum

Nyangulunga Oldenlandia corymbosa

var. corymbosa

Nyapali Convolvulus farinosus

Nyasalasala Momordica foetida

Nyasongwe Nicandra physaloides

Nyatwanga Bidens schimperi

Nyausako Cleome hirta

Nyautitili Acalypha bipartita

Nyautitili Acalypha fruticosa

Nyava Dactyloctenium aegyptium

Nyawolo Justicia pinguior

Nyayambo Coccinia adoensis

Somwambisi Cyathula orthacantha

Iraqw

Aantsi Ficus sycomorus

Aare-desu Delonix elata

Amafa-aa Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Ambalaki Rhus longipes

Amu Grewia villosa

Backchandi Commiphora africana

Bagalimo, Cordia sinensis

Bagalmo Cordia monoica

Baryomodi Acacia nilotica

Da-aaslsmo Psorospermum febrifugum

Datei Rhus natalensis

Datlaii Rhus vulgaris

Dawo Abutilon mauritianum

Erakwtu Vangueria

madagascariensis

Funidang Cordia sinensis

Furudou Grewia similis

Galapi Piliostigma thonningii

Gendaryandi Adansonia digitata

Hararmo Cordia sinensis

Hawi Balanites aegyptiaca

Hiiti Mimusops kummel

Hotlimo Balanites aegyptiaca

Indakhakha Phyllanthus engleri

Intiwi Commiphora

mossambicensis

Intsalmo Bridelia micrantha

Irakwtu Vangueria

madagascariensis

Isalmo Bridelia micrantha

Kantzi Acacia nilotica

Kipaa-atu Osyris lanceolata

Kipatina Osyris lanceolata

Lagaang-aawak Grewia bicolor

Lagagir-daat Grewia mollis

Lagangwi Grewia fallax

Maanyangu Ximenia caffra

Mahhahamo Dovyalis abyssinica

Maneneh Cussonia spicata

Mangafi Kigelia africana

Mgombaryandi Grewia similis

Mstunga Rhus natalensis

Muhuhuoi Cyathula orthacantha

Mumuhai Pupalia lappacea var.

velutina

Mutuhu Ximenia americana

Natsiimo Ormocarpum kirkii

Niimo Commiphora africana

Nuguhway Hoslundia opposita

Orbochandi Lannea schweinfurthii var.

stuhlmannii

Oroondi Momordica foetida

Pohi-aawak Cussonia spicata

Pombosimo Ficus stuhlmannii

Quach Carissa edulis

Sansuli Dracaena mannii

Saski Grewia similis

Sirongi Rhus natalensis

Sokhaimo Flacourtia indica

Taewi Trichilia emetica

Tahhamanto Ximenia americana

Tambaragi Lannea schweinfurthii var.

stuhlmannii

Tarantu Ximenia americana

Thanthi Hyphaene petersiana

Thiaanthii Phoenix reclinata

Thigi Lannea schweinfurthii var.

stuhlmannii

Thigii Lannea schweinfurthii var.

stuhlmannii

Thobi Malva parviflora

Tiita Ficus stuhlmannii

Titiyo Carissa edulis

LOCAL NAMES

Tlambau Vitex mombassae

Tlambi Deinbollia borbonica

Tlambi

Deinbollia kilimandscharica var.

kilimandscharica

Tlerghw Canthium lactescens

Tsagayand Acacia nilotica

Uduboguta Grewia platyclada

Ufani Lippia kituiensis

Xaslaamo Lantana camara

Yudek Acacia senegal

Isanzu

Mbulagankuku Rhus vulgaris

Mfulu Vitex doniana

Msalati Vitex mombassae

Mtundwi Ximenia caffra

Mudugunga Balanites aegyptiaca

Mukuma Grewia similis

Mukungulusuli Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Mulunzi Kigelia africana

Mungongampembe Syzygium cordatum

Muyuyu Zanha africana

Muzuhu Commiphora africana

Kaguru

Mbwegele Sclerocarya birrea subsp.

caffra

Mbwimbwi Talinum portulacifolium

Mfuza Myrianthus holstii

Mgola Dovyalis xanthocarpa

Mgolemazi Trichilia emetica

Mkowekowe Garcinia kingäensis

Mkwata Cordyla densiflora

Moza Sterculia africana

Mseseza Grewia similis

Mugama Mimusops kummel

Muhembeti Sterculia quinqueloba

Muhumba Senna singueana

Mzuyuyu Dovyalis xanthocarpa

Kerewe

Issassa Syzygium guineense

Issassa Syzygium sclerophyllum

Mfitanda Vangueria

madagascariensis

Mkanga onza Carissa edulis

Mkangayonza Carissa edulis

Mkome Psydrax parviflora subsp.

rubrocostata

Mnyamaji Lannea humilis

Mseaka Ximenia caffra

Msebeye Oncoba spinosa

Msungwa Vitex mombassae

Mtokitoki Antidesma venosum

Muebe Psydrax parviflora subsp.

rubrocostata

Mufitanda Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Muhasi Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Mukoronto Vitex doniana

Munazi Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Murangarara Lannea fulva

Musheshe Rhus natalensis

Ntokitoki Antidesma venosum

Kimbu

Kasasalya Momordica foetida

Mduvi Oncoba spinosa

Mnumbulu Englerophytum natalense

Msavala Sterculia quinqueloba

Msuungwi Vitex mombassae

Mugambo Manilkara discolor

Mutogo Azanza garckeana

Kinga

Chikande Habenaria walleri

Chikande Satyrium neglectum var.

neglectum

Imivengi Syzygium cordatum

Kikande Habenaria epipactidea

Kisongwe Garcinia kingäensis

Mabagala Myrianthus holstii

Kuria

Bagharimo Cordia monoica

Maitanyoka Senna occidentalis

Michame Acacia nilotica

Mkomakoma Grewia mollis

Momange Pappea capensis

Msangura Rhus natalensis

Msarakanga Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

Msege Strychnos innocua

Mtegeti Saba comorensis

Muitinina Pseudospondias

microcarpa

LOCAL NAMES

Kuria (contd)

Mumendo Lannea schweinfurthii var.

stuhlmannii

Munyore Carissa edulis

Mushenhu Cordia monoica

Mushiro Pseudospondias

microcarpa

Omongwe Sclerocarya birrea subsp.

caffra

Omosaruwa Lannea schweinfurthii var.

stuhlmannii

Rinyore Carissa edulis

Luguru

Bwasi Achyranthes aspera

Ezeya Treculia africana

Gobeni Aframomum

angustifolium

Gole Adenia gummifera

Hunduhundu Cucumis dipsaceus

Kigonzo Dioscorea odoratissima

Kologwe Commiphora africana

Kongokowe Aloe nutii

Koza Ensete ventricosum

Malagala-mkole Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

Mangwe Bidens schimperi

Mbalawala Tylosema fassoglense

Mbangwe Bidens schimperi

Mbungo Saba comorensis

Mdai Tamarindus indica

Mdaula Zanha africana

Mdewerere Myrianthus arboreus

Mdewerere Myrianthus holstii

Mduru-mweupe Lepisanthes senegalensis

Mfulu Vitex ferruginea

Mfune Sterculia appendiculata

Mfuru Vitex doniana

Mfuru Vitex ferruginea

Mfuru Vitex payos var. payos

Mfuza Myrianthus arboreus

Mfyonzefyonze Leptactina benguelensis

Mgolemazi Trichilia emetica

Mgombogombo Pouteria alnifolia

Mgora Flacourtia indica

Mgude Sterculia appendiculata

Mgura Flacourtia indica

Mgwata Cordyla africana

Mhembeti Sterculia quinqueloba

Mhengere Dialium holtzii

Mhilihili Sorindeia

madagascariensis

Mhumba Senna singueana

Mhunungu Zanthoxylum chalybeum

var. chalybeum

Mjagengo Trichilia emetica

Mjaya Treculia africana

Mkani Allanblackia stuhlmanii

Mkani Allanblackia ulugurensis

Mkenene Polyceratocarpus scheffleri

Mkoga Vitex doniana

Mkoko Diospyros mespiliformis

Mkole Grewia goetzeana

Mkonero-wa-

nyikani Cussonia spicata

Mkongo Balanites aegyptiaca

Mkululu Diospyros mespiliformis

Mkumbulu Synsepalum ceraciferum

Mkumbulu Synsepalum msolo

Mkungunolo Ricinodendron heudelotii

subsp. africanum

Mkungwina Sorindeia

madagascariensis

Mkuyu Ficus sur

Mkuyu Ficus vallis-choudae

Mkwayaga Myrianthus arboreus

Mkwayaga Myrianthus holstii

Mlagala Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

Mlembelembe Englerophytum

magalismontanum

Mlenda Sesamum angolense

Mlende Opilia amentacea

Mlowelowe Myrianthus arboreus

Mlowelowe Myrianthus holstii

Mmoyomoyo Deinbollia borbonica

Mmoyomoyo

Deinbollia kilimandscharica var.

kilimandscharica

Mngalangala Balanites wilsoniana

Moza Sterculia africana

Mpela Adansonia digitata

Mpitimbi Vitex payos var. payos

Mpupu Laportea ovalifolia

Msada Psydrax parviflora subsp.

rubrocostata

Msada Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Msalazi Syzygium guineense

Msambia Synsepalum ceraciferum

Msambwa Synsepalum brevipes

Msambwa Synsepalum msolo

Msanyanzale Synsepalum msolo

Msekaseka Xylotheca tettensis var.

kirkii

LOCAL NAMES

Msindanguruwe Diospyros mespiliformis

Msindde Diospyros mespiliformis

Msofu Uvaria acuminata

Msofu Uvaria kirkii

Msona Scolopia zeyheri

Msukulilo Trichilia emetica

Msumba Bridelia micrantha

Mtakule Ficus sur

Mtengotengo Trichilia emetica

Mtitu Diospyros mespiliformis

Muenene Polyceratocarpus scheffleri

Muhembeti Sterculia quinqueloba

Muhingilo Lannea schweinfurthii var.

stuhlmannii

Muula Parinari excelsa

Mwegea Kigelia africana

Mwiza Bridelia micrantha

Myegea Kigelia africana

Mzindanguruwe Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius

subsp. vaughanii

Mzugo Trilepisium

madagascariense

Ngoni Vitex payos var. payos

Nyahumbu Berchemia discolor

Nyaweza Bidens pilosa

Nyaweza Bidens schimperi

Songoro-malidadi Celosia argentea

Songoro-malidadi Celosia schweinfurthiana

Songoro-malidadi Celosia trigyna

Sunga Emilia coccinea

Sunga Sonchus luxurians

Luo

Anduong’o Hygrophila auriculata

Anyulo Sesamum calycinum var.

angustifolium

Kenu Sesamum calycinum var.

angustifolium

Nyamnina Guizotia scabra

Olalwait Mimusops bagshawei

Olukenu Sesamum calycinum var.

angustifolium

Onina Guizotia scabra

Onyulo Sesamum calycinum var.

angustifolium

Riangata Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius

subsp. vaughanii

Yunga Nymphaea lotus

Maasai

Echunge Oxygonum sinuatum

Ediati-ormwaate Aerva lanata

Eirii Grewia similis

Eleturot Aerva lanata

Elkoroshi Trichilia emetica

Emangulai Grewia villosa

Emankulai Grewia villosa

Embaingu Flueggea virosa

Embokwe Dactyloctenium aegyptium

Emoloo Azanza garckeana

Emorogi Dovyalis abyssinica

Empokui Dactyloctenium aegyptium

Emungushi Rhus vulgaris

Endamejoi Urtica massaica

Enderemet Sesamum angolense

Enderkesi Acacia senegal

Endugai Strychnos innocua

Endungui Lannea alata

Eng’alayioi-naju Cucumis dipsaceus

Engaboli Ficus sansibarica

Engaboli Ficus sur

Engaboli Ficus sycomorus

Engai-pulsan Senna singueana

Engaiyagut Portulaca oleracea

Engamai Ximenia americana

Engarachi Rhus vulgaris

Engirushai Opilia amentacea

Engokia Lycium europaeum

Engumi Vangueria apiculata

Engumi Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Engumi Vangueria

madagascariensis

Engumi Vangueria volkensii

Engumi-etari Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Engumieker Vangueria apiculata

Enkaiserariai Coccinia grandis

Enkaisijoi Oxygonum sinuatum

Enkaisijoi Rumex usambarensis

Enkaiswishoi Rumex usambarensis

Enkaiteteyiai Commelina benghalensis

Enkampa Dactyloctenium aegyptium

Enkamposhi Momordica rostrata

Enkoshopini Dovyalis macrocalyx

Enkosida Asystasia gangetica

Enkurma-onkayiok Lantana trifolia

Enongeperen Garcinia livingstonei

Entameijoi Urtica massaica

Erkunyi Hydnora abyssinica

Eseki Cordia monoica

LOCAL NAMES

Maasai (contd)

Esekilianjoi Ormocarpum kirkii

Esikilianjoi Ormocarpum

trichocarpum

Esinkarua Tylosema fassoglense

Esitete Grewia bicolor

Eswaili Senna occidentalis

Gosida Asystasia gangetica

Ilama Ximenia americana

Ilgum Vangueria apiculata

Ilmang’ua Sclerocarya birrea subsp.

caffra

Ilmankula Grewia villosa

Ilmisigiyo Rhus natalensis

Ilmisigyio Rhus vulgaris

Ilokwa Balanites aegyptiaca

Ilsagararam Piliostigma thonningii

Ilseki Cordia monoica

Iltorel Pistacia aethiopica

Inderepenyi Bidens pilosa

Ingoomba Cardamine trichocarpa

Intameijo Urtica massaica

Interkes Acacia senegal

Iremito Salvadora persica

Isek Cordia monoica

Isinon Lippia kituiensis

Lama Ximenia americana

Lama Ximenia caffra

Lasamarai Pistacia aethiopica

Leliat Mimusops bagshawei

Ilmorok Dovyalis abyssinica

Lukurman-

oonkayiok Lantana trifolia

Masamburai Tamarindus indica

Msigwe Rhus vulgaris

Ndegegeya Coccinia grandis

Ngayakuji Rubus apetalus

Norkipiren Garcinia buchananii

Oladarrara Scolopia theifolia

Olaimurunyai Dovyalis macrocalyx

Olairagai Syzygium guineense

Olama Ximenia americana

Olamai Ximenia americana

Olamposhi Coccinia grandis

Olamposhi Momordica rostrata

Olamuriaki Carissa edulis

Olbida Acacia senegal

Olboldoli Oncoba spinosa

Oldaboi Kigelia africana

Oldadai Abutilon mauritianum

Oldangudwa, Pistacia aethiopica

Oldarboi Kigelia africana

Oldarpoi Kigelia africana

Oldelemet Sesamum calycinum var.

angustifolium

Olderkesi Acacia senegal

Oldimaroi Cussonia spicata

Oldimigomi Pappea capensis

Oldongurgurwo Flacourtia indica

Oldongururwo Flacourtia indica

Oldorko Cordia sinensis

Oldurgo Cordia sinensis

Oleleloi Scolopia theifolia

Olemoran Hoslundia opposita

Olemwadeni Malva parviflora

Olenaran Hoslundia opposita

Oleragai Lepisanthes senegalensis

Oleragi Syzygium guineense

Olerubat Achyranthes aspera

Oleylalei Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

Olgnangboli Ficus sycomorus

Olgumi Vangueria apiculata

Olgumi Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Olgumi Vangueria

madagascariensis

Olgumi Vangueria volkensii

Oljumaroi Cussonia spicata

Olkiage Maerua decumbens

Olkifulwa Garcinia livingstonei

Olkirenyi Mimusops kummel

Olkiroriti Acacia nilotica

Olkolili Ficus stuhlmannii

Olkumi Canthium lactescens

Olkwai Balanites rotundifolia

Olmadanyi Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Olmadanyi Vangueria

madagascariensis

Olmadanyi Vangueria volkensii

Olmagirigiriani Lantana trifolia

Olmang’uai Sclerocarya birrea subsp.

caffra

Olmangisai Sclerocarya birrea subsp.

caffra

Olmangulai Ficus sycomorus

Olmangulai Grewia villosa

Olmangulai-

oloing’oni Grewia platyclada

Olmankulai Grewia villosa

Olmarogi Dovyalis abyssinica

Olmasambrai Tamarindus indica

Olmasumoei Tamarindus indica

LOCAL NAMES

Olmatakuroi Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Olmatawayu Azanza garckeana

Olmbasa Urtica massaica

Olmesera Adansonia digitata

Olmesigie Rhus natalensis

Olmisigiyioi Rhus vulgaris

Olmisigiyoi Rhus natalensis

Olmorijoi Acokanthera schimperi

Olmorogi Dovyalis abyssinica

Olmorokwet Hyphaene compressa

Olmorokwet Hyphaene coriacea

Olmotoo Azanza garckeana

Olmunishui Acacia senegal

Olnanboli Ficus sycomorus

Olng’oswa Balanites aegyptiaca

Olngoswa Balanites rotundifolia

Olnyal Urtica massaica

Oloibarebare Dioscorea dumetorum

Oloilale Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

Oloilalei Ziziphus abyssinica

Oloilalei Ziziphus mauritiana

Oloilalei Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

Oloiragai Syzygium cordatum

Oloireroi Flacourtia indica

Oloishimi Commiphora africana

Oloisijoi Tamarindus indica

Oloisuki Zanthoxylum chalybeum

var. chalybeum

Olokwai Balanites aegyptiaca

Ololfot Cordia sinensis

Ololgot Cordia sinensis

Olongoronok Pistacia aethiopica

Oloyesyyai Osyris lanceolata

Olperetini Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

Olpiroo Phoenix reclinata

Olpuri Vitex mombassae

Olremit Salvadora persica

Olsagararami Piliostigma thonningii

Olsanangururi Oncoba spinosa

Olsegetit Myrsine africana

Olsesyani Osyris lanceolata

Olsinoni Lippia kituiensis

Olsiteti Grewia bicolor

Oltiaska Cordia monoica

Oltukai Phoenix reclinata

Olyamliyak Carissa bispinosa

Olyamliyak Carissa edulis

Olyamliyak Carissa tetramera

Oremit Salvadora persica

Ormisigiyoi Rhus natalensis

Ormisigiyoi Rhus vulgaris

Orng’aboli Ficus sycomorus

Orng’alayoi-loo-

sirkon Cucumis dipsaceus

Ortarboi Kigelia africana

Os sangararam Piliostigma thonningii

Osaragi Balanites aegyptiaca

Oseki Cordia monoica

Osiminde Grewia bicolor

Osinoni Lippia kituiensis

Ositeti Grewia bicolor

Ositeti Grewia mollis

Porori aja Dactyloctenium aegyptium

Sajagi Grewia similis

Shaiti Acalypha fruticosa

Umududu Thylachium africanum

Makonde

Mpegele Syzygium guineense

Muongo Sclerocarya birrea subsp.

caffra

Navele Zanthoxylum chalybeum

var. chalybeum

Ndebela Ficus ingens

Ndola Ficus ingens

Nguluka Syzygium guineense

Ntwanguo Bidens pilosa

Undola Ficus sansibarica

Matengo

Chanima Habenaria walleri

Chichala Habenaria epipactidea

Chikande Satyrium neglectum var.

neglectum

Chimanyi Zanha africana

Chitembe Piliostigma thonningii

Chitimbe Piliostigma thonningii

Fudwe Vitex doniana

Hekela Uapaca kirkiana

Ihugu Syzygium owariense

Inyule Bidens pilosa

Inzihuluumbi Eriosema burkei var.

burkei

Inzihuluumbi Eriosema ukingense

Jitimbo Piliostigma thonningii

Kanakalayi Myrsine africana

Kibundu Landolphia parvifolia

Kibungu Landolphia kirkii

Kihibihibi Psorospermum febrifugum

LOCAL NAMES

Matengo (contd)

Kihivahivi Psorospermum febrifugum

Kikande chanima Habenaria epipactidea

Kikande chichala Habenaria epipactidea

Kikande jike Habenaria epipactidea

Kikande maka Habenaria epipactidea

Kikande mgosi Habenaria epipactidea

Kikande-mangonji-

matali Satyrium neglectum var.

neglectum

Kilangati Osyris lanceolata

Kimbalapala Flueggea virosa

Kisosoki Bidens pilosa

Libonongo Celosia trigyna

Libungu Landolphia kirkii

Libungu Landolphia parvifolia

Lidelele-mgunda Sesamum calycinum var.

angustifolium

Lidonga kikumba Strychnos spinosa subsp.

lokua

Lidongansanga Strychnos cocculoides

Limbua Strychnos spinosa subsp.

lokua

Linambatata Ipomoea eriocarpa

Lindiame Achyranthes aspera

Lindikiti Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Lindikiti Vangueria

madagascariensis

Linyolo Drymaria cordata

Lipekepeke Hibiscus ludwigii

Litimbatimba Isoglossa lactea

Litongawai Strychnos cocculoides

Lugulanguha Strychnos innocua

Lukolowa Commelina imberbis

Maboya Pygmaeothamnus zeyheri

Madonga Strychnos innocua

Madunguli Fadogia elskensii var.

elskensii

Mahusa Myrianthus holstii

Mandikiti Multidentia crassa

Mandopi Annona senegalensis

Manduguli Fadogia ancylantha

Mandungu Pygmaeothamnus zeyheri

Mandunguli Fadogia ancylantha

Mangurungundu Strychnos innocua

Manjorosa Habenaria epipactidea

Manyonyoli Bidens pilosa

Mapendo Canthium lactescens

Mapendo Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Masada Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Matungula Aframomum

angustifolium

Maya Treculia africana

Mayenda Bridelia micrantha

Mbilipili Flacourtia indica

Mbonani Sesamum calycinum var.

angustifolium

Mbora Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Mbula Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Mbungu Saba comorensis

Mbuni Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Mbura Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Mbuwa Syzygium owariense

Mbwegele Sclerocarya birrea subsp.

caffra

Mchendeka Polygonum salicifolium

Mdonga Strychnos cocculoides

Mdonga Strychnos innocua

Mdonga Strychnos spinosa subsp.

lokua

Mfudu Vitex doniana

Mholoholo Garcinia buchananii

Mhugu Syzygium cordatum

Mhuku Uapaca nitida

Mhungu Syzygium owariense

Mhunsa Myrianthus arboreus

Milola Ficus sur

Mjaya Treculia africana

Mkaranga mti Bombax rhodognaphalon

var. tomentosum

Mkenekene Rhus vulgaris

Mkenikeni Rhus longipes

Mkowosi Syzygium guineense

Mkwachu Manilkara mochisia

Mlenda-mgunda Sesamum calycinum var.

angustifolium

Mng’unga Flacourtia indica

Mngulaka Diospyros kirkii

Mnyenda Bridelia micrantha

Mnyonyo Syzygium cordatum

Mpeta Dioscorea cochlaeri-

apiculata

Mpeta Dioscorea dumetorum

Mpingipingi Ximenia caffra

Mpiripiri Ziziphus abyssinica

Mpitimbi Vitex doniana

Mptimbwi Vitex doniana

Mpumba Rothmannia engleriana

LOCAL NAMES

Msada Vitex mombassae

Msendeka Polygonum salicifolium

Msigisi Sorindeia

madagascariensis

Msuku Uapaca kirkiana

Mtakalu Uapaca nitida

Mtatanku Uapaca sansibarica

Mtondoko Sclerocarya birrea subsp.

caffra

Mtongawali Strychnos cocculoides

Mtopetope Annona senegalensis

Muhusa Myrianthus holstii

Muhuwahuwi Syzygium owariense

Mungulungu Strychnos spinosa subsp.

lokua

Mvenge Syzygium cordatum

Mwaya Treculia africana

Myenda Bridelia micrantha

Mzio Syzygium cordatum

Ndelamwana Lannea schweinfurthii var.

stuhlmannii

Ndewele Celosia trigyna

Ndilia Commelina africana

Nhungu Syzygium owariense

Njerenje Berchemia discolor

Nkolo Syzygium guineense

Nsakala Diospyros kirkii

Nsakala-wa-

mwana Diospyros mespiliformis

Nsoku Vitex mombassae

Ntongotongo-lya-

huluka Synaptolepis alternifolia

Nungunungu Bidens pilosa

Nzukumbi Synaptolepis alternifolia

Orokutuno Syzygium cordatum

Titimbo Piliostigma thonningii

Ufuru Ziziphus abyssinica

Ukwezu Tamarindus indica

Utongonya Rubus apetalus

Utongonya Rubus steudneri

Vikoko ndumbila Fadogia cienkowskii var.

cienkowskii

Vikoko-ndumbila Fadogia homblei

Mbugwe

Barabonyoda Acacia nilotica

Letakaiko Trichilia emetica

Mochocho Cordia sinensis

Modee Salvadora persica

Modori Balanites aegyptiaca

Molongo Zanthoxylum chalybeum

var. chalybeum

Monterere Delonix elata

Monyangu Sclerocarya birrea subsp.

caffra

Mosinko Tamarindus indica

Mosofwa Kigelia africana

Motoasi-mweremaCordia monoica

Motoo Grewia villosa

Musuna-nu-kuu Grewia bicolor

Mutogo Azanza garckeana

Muwiye Adansonia digitata

Muzisunde Ormocarpum kirkii

Mwangwa Hyphaene petersiana

Mwerema Cordia monoica

Mwiwiye Adansonia digitata

Mwuwiye Adansonia digitata

Olamai Ximenia

americana

Tarantu Ximenia

americana

Tundulu Commiphora africana

Meru

Ikuu Ficus vallis-choudae

Imumua Vangueria

madagascariensis

Imumua Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Imumua Vangueria

madagascariensis

Mukobo Ensete ventricosum

Omemuta Psydrax parviflora subsp.

rubrocostata

Mwera

Chigombo Salvadora persica

Mchemka Xylotheca tettensis var.

kirkii

Mfuru Vitex ferruginea

Mguena Lepisanthes senegalensis

Mgulungulu Strychnos innocua

Mguwauwa Piliostigma thonningii

Mgwena Lepisanthes senegalensis

Mjale Sterculia appendiculata

Mkangaula Ricinodendron heudelotii

subsp. africanum

Mkongolo Carpodiptera africana

Mkungue Dialium holtzii

Mmera Balanites wilsoniana

Mmilambutuka Carpodiptera africana

Mng’akora Diospyros kirkii

Mng’uma Bombax rhodognaphalon

var. tomentosum

LOCAL NAMES

Mwera (contd)

Mngeshelo Uapaca nitida

Mpepeta Dialium holtzii

Mpindimbi Vitex doniana

Mpitimbi Vitex payos var. payos

Mpungamaoka Deinbollia borbonica

Mpupi Lannea schweinfurthii var.

stuhlmannii

Msofu Manilkara sulcata

Mtandi Kigelia africana

Mtaswa Flacourtia indica

Mtawa Flacourtia indica

Mtetemu Dracaena mannii

Mtondo Cordyla africana

Mtondole Englerophytum

magalismontanum

Mungamaoka Deinbollia borbonica

Nandele Talinum portulacifolium

Ng’ewe Oncoba spinosa

Njaunabonde Xylotheca tettensis var.

kirkii

Ntondo Cordyla africana

Ndendeule

Fudwe Vitex doniana

Kikande chanima Habenaria epipactidea

Kikande chichala Habenaria epipactidea

Kikande jike Habenaria epipactidea

Kikande maka Habenaria epipactidea

Kikande mgosi Habenaria epipactidea

Kinywegerere Bidens pilosa

Lidelele-mgunda Sesamum calycinum var.

angustifolium

Mahuko Uapaca kirkiana

Makowozi Syzygium guineense

Mambuha Strychnos innocua

Mambuha Strychnos spinosa subsp.

lokua

Mandikiti Multidentia crassa

Manjorosa Habenaria epipactidea

Matunda Syzygium guineense

Mavilo makubwa Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Mbingembinge Ximenia caffra

Mbonani Sesamum calycinum var.

angustifolium

Mbora Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Mbuni Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Mbura Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Mchendeka Polygonum salicifolium

Mfudu Vitex doniana

Mgwilu Syzygium cordatum

Mhuruhuru Syzygium guineense

Mkohozi Syzygium guineense

Mlenda-mgunda Sesamum calycinum var.

angustifolium

Mlombelombe Annona senegalensis

Mlopelope Annona senegalensis

Mpingipingi Ximenia caffra

Mpitimbi Vitex doniana

Msendeka Polygonum salicifolium

Umbura Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Ngindo

Bwala bwaya Jacquemontia tamnifolia

Kalijenge Psorospermum febrifugum

Kiaga Dactyloctenium aegyptium

Kibungo Landolphia kirkii

Kigoje Ormocarpum kirkii

Kikochongo Vigna pubescens

Kiluma Acacia senegal

King’ala Nymphaea lotus

Kinjacha Acacia nilotica

Kipalapala bonde Flueggea virosa

Kiruma Acacia senegal

Lukubi wa msitu Synaptolepis kirkii

Mahanga Landolphia kirkii

Mahekela Uapaca nitida

Mbigili ng’ombe Tribulus terrestris

Mfulu bonde Vitex doniana

Mjuju Zanha africana

Mkalakawa-bonde Diospyros kirkii

Mkelienge Berchemia discolor

Mkindu Phoenix reclinata

Mkonjiganga Uvaria kirkii

Mkunda hobi Antidesma venosum

Mkundekunde Senna singueana

Mkungu mwali Hexalobus monopetalus

Mkunya Sterculia appendiculata

Mkuyu Ficus sur

Mkuyu Ficus sycomorus

Mkwaju Tamarindus indica

Mkwichimbe Manilkara discolor

Mlimia mbopo Xylotheca tettensis var.

kirkii

Mlungu Zanthoxylum chalybeum

var. chalybeum

Mmula Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

LOCAL NAMES

Mndundu Cordyla africana

Mng’ongo Sclerocarya birrea subsp.

caffra

Mnuwili Balanites aegyptiaca

Mnuwili-msitu Balanites wilsoniana

Mpengele Ziziphus abyssinica

Mpengele-bonde Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

Mpilipili Sorindeia

madagascariensis

Mpingi Ximenia caffra

Mpoloto Ficus sansibarica

Mpondopondo Ficus sansibarica

Mpuga mahoka Deinbollia borbonica

Mpunju Annona senegalensis

Mpwipwi Lannea schweinfurthii var.

stuhlmannii

Msama Manilkara mochisia

Msegese Piliostigma thonningii

Msufi pori Bombax rhodognaphalon

var. tomentosum

Mswaki Salvadora persica

Mtaba Flacourtia indica

Mtandi Kigelia africana

Mtetakana Flueggea virosa

Mtetema Dracaena mannii

Mtiko Garcinia livingstonei

Mtobo Azanza garckeana

Mtongatonga Strychnos cocculoides

Mtumbwi Sterculia africana

Muhamba Manilkara sulcata

Muhekela Uapaca nitida

Muhou Uvaria acuminata

Muhukuliro Trichilia emetica

Muhuluhuti Syzygium guineense

Mvumo Borassus aethiopum

Nduguyu Balanites aegyptiaca

Nnjunju Ricinodendron heudelotii

subsp. africanum

Utondo Tacca leontopetaloides

Ngoni

Bwaka Ipomoea eriocarpa

Chikumba Strychnos spinosa subsp.

lokua

Delele Sesamum angolense

Fudwe Vitex doniana

Kikande Habenaria epipactidea

Kikande chanima Habenaria epipactidea

Kikande chichala Habenaria epipactidea

Kikande jike Habenaria epipactidea

Kikande maka Habenaria epipactidea

Kikande mgosi Habenaria epipactidea

Kikande-mangonji-

matali Satyrium neglectum var.

neglectum

Kisosoki Bidens pilosa

Libonongo Celosia trigyna

Lidelele-mgunda Sesamum calycinum var.

angustifolium

Lungatungu Dolichos trilobus

Madonga Strychnos spinosa subsp.

lokua

Madonga choyo Strychnos innocua

Makohozi Syzygium guineense

Makowozi Syzygium guineense

Manjorosa Habenaria epipactidea

Manyonyoli Bidens pilosa

Mapohora Tamarindus indica

Masuku Uapaca kirkiana

Matunda Syzygium guineense

Mavilo makubwa Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Maya Treculia africana

Mbingimbingi Ximenia caffra

Mbonani Sesamum calycinum var.

angustifolium

Mbora Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Mbula Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Mbuni Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Mbura Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Mchendeka Polygonum salicifolium

Mchenga Strychnos innocua

Mfudu Vitex doniana

Mgwilu Syzygium cordatum

Mhuani Uvaria acuminata

Milola Ficus sur

Mkohozi Syzygium guineense

Mlenda-mgunda Sesamum calycinum var.

angustifolium

Mlombelombe Annona senegalensis

Mlopelope Annona senegalensis

Mpingipingi Ximenia caffra

Mpitimbi Vitex doniana

Msendeka Polygonum salicifolium

Msuku Uapaca kirkiana

Mtalilo Ipomoea eriocarpa

Mtengula Flueggea virosa

Mtepura Senna singueana

Ndewele Celosia trigyna

LOCAL NAMES

Ngoni (contd)

Nungunungu Bidens pilosa

Umbura Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Nguu

Mawejameno Antidesma venosum

Mdulu Englerophytum natalense

Mfune Sterculia appendiculata

Mgagawe Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

Mgobwe Vitex doniana

Mgolimazi Trichilia emetica

Mgude Sterculia appendiculata

Mguoguo Pouteria alnifolia

Mgwejameno Antidesma venosum

Mhuga Dalbergia nitidula

Mkolakole Bridelia micrantha

Mkonde Myrianthus holstii

Mkonga Balanites aegyptiaca

Mkumbaku Carissa edulis

Mkundi Parkia filicoidea

Mkwazuperere Dialium holtzii

Mng’ong’o Sclerocarya birrea subsp.

caffra

Mnyohoyo Synsepalum msolo

Msambia Synsepalum brevipes

Msambia Synsepalum msolo

Msungunde Syzygium cordatum

Mtondoro Ricinodendron heudelotii

subsp. africanum

Muguguni Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

Mvungwe Kigelia africana

Mwale Bombax rhodognaphalon

var. tomentosum

Nyakyusa

Ingulungulu Multidentia crassa

Kakuchu Uapaca sansibarica

Kalemela Opilia amentacea

Mabangala Ensete ventricosum

Mbula Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Mbula Parinari excelsa

Mkuhu Uapaca kirkiana

Mkuju Ficus vallis-choudae

Mnyamsimbi Uapaca nitida

Mpegele Syzygium cordatum

Mpombo Cussonia spicata

Msaibi Oncoba spinosa

Msanguti Trichilia emetica

Msengele Syzygium guineense

Mskisya Myrianthus holstii

Msuisya Myrianthus holstii

Mswiza Myrianthus holstii

Msyavala Bombax rhodognaphalon

var. tomentosum

Mtulutulu Ficus sansibarica

Muhu Syzygium guineense

Mwisya Bridelia micrantha

Ndabelobe Englerophytum natalense

Ndobilobe Synsepalum brevipes

Ndobilobe Synsepalum msolo

Nguluka Syzygium sclerophyllum

Nsangisa Uapaca nitida

Nsangisa Uapaca sansibarica

Umbula Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Unsongwa Garcinia buchananii

Nyamwezi

Googo Cucumis dipsaceus

Googo Cucumis figarei

Ibungobugo Landolphia kilimanjarica

Ibungobungo Landolphia parvifolia

Ibungobungo Saba comorensis

Ikumbusya Cyphostemma bullatum

Ilamata Cyathula orthacantha

Ilamata Pupalia lappacea var.

velutina

Ilando-ipolu Ipomoea cairica var.

cairica

Ileve Pistia stratiotes

Itembwe Aloe nutii

Itugu Dioscorea cochlaeri-

apiculata

Itugu Dioscorea dumetorum

Itugu Dioscorea odoratissima

Itugu Dioscorea quartiniana var.

quartiniana

Itugu Dioscorea schimperiana

Ivungovungo Landolphia kilimanjarica

Kaala Corchorus

pseudocapsularis

Kaala Corchorus tridens

Kafinulambasa Dalbergia nitidula

Kaganza ka mwana Aerva lanata

Kagowole Ziziphus abyssinica

Kagowole Ziziphus mauritiana

Kagowole Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

Kaguha Opilia amentacea

Kakunguni Cleome hirta

LOCAL NAMES

Kala Corchorus fascicularis

Kala Corchorus trilocularis

Kalembo Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

Kambolambola Fadogia cienkowskii var.

cienkowskii

Kambolambola Fadogia homblei

Kambolambola Fadogia stenophylla

Kambolambola Fadogia tetraquerta var.

grandiflora

Kambolambola Fadogia triphylla var.

gorgii

Kambolambola Tapiphyllum burnettii

Kambolambola Tapiphyllum cinerascens

var. cinerascens

Kambolambola Tapiphyllum discolor

Kambolambola Tapiphyllum obtusifolium

Kamfyonfyo Fadogia triphylla var.

gorgii

Kanala Garcinia livingstonei

Kapande Eriosema burkei var.

burkei

Kapokole Amaranthus spinosus

Kapondolampasa Dalbergia nitidula

Kasasalya Cucumis aculeatus

Kasasalya Cucumis dipsaceus

Kasasalya Cucumis figarei

Kasasalya Momordica foetida

Kasesanhanga Asparagus africanus

Kasesanhanga Asparagus flagellaris

Kashamongo Syzygium guineense

Kasolanhanga Asparagus africanus

Kasolanhanga Asparagus flagellaris

Kasya mongo Eugenia capensis subsp.

nyassensis

Kasyamongo Syzygium cordatum

Kasyamongo Syzygium guineense

Kasyamongo Syzygium masukuense

subsp. masukuense

Kasyamongo Syzygium owariense

Katahila Acacia senegal

Katanga Cucumis dipsaceus

Katanga Cucumis figarei

Katatula Acacia senegal

Katita Acacia senegal

Kilindila Aerva leucura

Kilumbu Dioscorea cochlaeri-

apiculata

Kilumbu Dioscorea dumetorum

Kilumbu Dioscorea odoratissima

Kilumbu Dioscorea quartiniana var.

quartiniana

Kilumbu Dioscorea schimperiana

Kitemba Bauhinia kalantha

Lekalamata Bidens pilosa

Limbizu Pseudeminia comosa

Lugemela Hygrophila auriculata

Luvisu Opilia amentacea

Lyungu-lya-nzoka Coccinia grandis

Lyungu-lya-nzoka Momordica rostrata

M’milwa Strychnos cocculoides

Maleve Nymphaea lotus

Maleve Nymphaea nouchali var.

caerulea

Mavolo-ga-ntumbili Leptactina benguelensis

Mavya-ga-ntumbili Leptactina benguelensis

Mbetu Bussea massaiensis

Mbigili Oxygonum sinuatum

Mbigili Tribulus terrestris

Mbula Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Mchekecheke Crotalaria natalitia var.

natalitia

Mdati Grewia conocarpoides

Mdimwambuli Senna singueana

Mdubilo Acacia nilotica

Mduguyu Balanites aegyptiaca

Mdungwa Kigelia africana

Mduvi Oncoba spinosa

Mfila Annona senegalensis

Mfila Annona stenophylla

Mfulu Vitex doniana

Mfulu Vitex ferruginea

Mfulu Vitex payos var. payos

Mfulu-genge Vitex payos var. payos

Mfulu-legea Vitex madiensis subsp.

milanjiensis

Mfulugenge Vitex ferruginea

Mfululegea Vitex doniana

Mfumbeli Carissa bispinosa

Mfumbeli Carissa edulis

Mfunfu Dalbergia nitidula

Mfuzu Vitex doniana

Mfuzu Vitex fischeri

Mfyomfyo Leonotis nepetifolia

Mgelelya Vangueriopsis lanciflora

Mginya Feretia apodanthera

subsp. tanzaniensis

Mgogondi Phyllanthus engleri

Mgubalu Canthium burttii

Mgugunu Ziziphus abyssinica

Mgugunu Ziziphus mauritiana

Mgugunwa Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

LOCAL NAMES

Nyamwezi (contd)

Mgukubi Vitex mombassae

Mgumbugumbu Lannea rivae

Mgumo Ficus stuhlmannii

Mgunga Acacia nilotica

Mguwa Sterculia quinqueloba

Mgwatu Acacia senegal

Mhama Borassus aethiopum

Mhandagi Strychnos pungens

Mhozya Sterculia africana

Mjuguyu Balanites aegyptiaca

Mkalanga Oldfieldia dactylophylla

Mkalya Zanha africana

Mkamilila Raphia farinifera

Mkamu Canthium burttii

Mkima-dimbya Acalypha fruticosa

Mkinde Diospyros mespiliformis

Mkoma Grewia bicolor

Mkoma Grewia fallax

Mkoma Grewia hexamita

Mkoma Grewia mollis

Mkoma-mkulu Grewia fallax

Mkomabubu Grewia similis

Mkomalendi Grewia bicolor

Mkome Strychnos pungens

Mkondokondo Rothmannia engleriana

Mkondwampuli Ormocarpum kirkii

Mkondwampuli Ormocarpum

trichocarpum

Mkonola Annona senegalensis

Mkonze Manilkara mochisia

Mkukumba Multidentia crassa

Mkulwa Strychnos innocua

Mkungulanga Sterculia quinqueloba

Mkuni Berchemia discolor

Mkusu Uapaca kirkiana

Mkuwa Hexalobus monopetalus

Mkuyu Ficus glumosa var.

glaberrina

Mkuyu Ficus sur

Mkuyu Ficus sycomorus

Mlala Hyphaene compressa

Mlala Phoenix reclinata

Mlele Delonix elata

Mlembu Cordia monoica

Mlembu Cordia sinensis

Mlenda-gwa-kala Corchorus fascicularis

Mlenda-gwa-kala Corchorus tridens

Mlenda-gwa-kala Corchorus trilocularis

Mlenda-gwa-mbata Ceratotheca sesamoides

Mlenda-gwa-tyege Ceratotheca sesamoides

Mlenda-gwa-wima Sesamum angolense

Mlenda-gwa-wima Sesamum calycinum var.

angustifolium

Mliwanfwengi Oldfieldia dactylophylla

Mlozilozi Rothmannia engleriana

Mlumba Ficus glumosa var.

glaberrina

Mlumba Ficus ingens

Mlungulungu Zanthoxylum chalybeum

var. chalybeum

Mmenge Manilkara obovata

Mnembu Cordia sinensis

Mnembwa Ximenia americana

Mnembwa Ximenia caffra

Mnembwa mudo Ximenia americana

Mnemvi Anisophyllea boehmii

Mnemvi Anisophyllea pomifera

Mng’ongo Sclerocarya birrea subsp.

caffra

Mnumbulu Diospyros kirkii

Mnyemvi Anisophyllea boehmii

Mnyemvi Anisophyllea pomifera

Mnyumbu Lannea schweinfurthii var.

stuhlmannii

Mpangamwaka Cissus cornifolia

Mpela Adansonia digitata

Mpelemense Grewia platyclada

Mpenzwa Pygmaeothamnus zeyheri

Mpugambu Lantana camara

Mpugambu Lantana trifolia

Mpugambu Lantana ukambensis

Mpugambu Lippia kituiensis

Mpuguswa Flacourtia indica

Mpulu Vitex doniana

Mpulu Vitex fischeri

Mpundu Strychnos innocua

Mpunguswa Flacourtia indica

Mpuru Vitex doniana

Msada Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Msada Vangueria

madagascariensis

Msagasi Commiphora africana

Msalasi Friesodielsia obovata

Msalunhunda Psorospermum febrifugum

Msambalawe Syzygium masukuense

subsp. masukuense

Msambila Senna singueana

Msambisambi Senna singueana

Msanghwa Kigelia africana

Msekela Antidesma venosum

Mselya Lannea fulva

Msinde Diospyros mespiliformis

LOCAL NAMES

Msingila Flacourtia indica

Msisi Tamarindus indica

Msongu Acokanthera schimperi

Msongwa-nsimba Canthium burttii

Msungwe Vitex mombassae

Msungwi Flacourtia indica

Msungwi Vitex mombassae

Mtalali Vitex mombassae

Mtanda-mwaka Cissus quarrei

Mtandamwaka Cissus cornifolia

Mtindambogo Piliostigma thonningii

Mtinje Lannea humilis

Mtinje Lannea rivae

Mtonga Strychnos cocculoides

Mtonto Commiphora

mossambicensis

Mtopetope Annona senegalensis

Mtopetope Annona stenophylla

Mtowo Azanza garckeana

Mtumbu Syzygium owariense

Mtundwa Ximenia americana

Mtundwa Ximenia caffra

Mubula Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Muhama Borassus aethiopum

Muhozya Sterculia africana

Muhozya Sterculia mhosya

Mukamilila Raphia farinifera

Mukukumba Multidentia crassa

Mulala Hyphaene compressa

Mulala Hyphaene coriacea

Mulala Hyphaene petersiana

Muliwanfwengi Oldfieldia dactylophylla

Mumenge Manilkara obovata

Mumilwa Strychnos cocculoides

Mumpundu Strychnos innocua

Mumundu Strychnos innocua

Mungelelya Vangueriopsis lanciflora

Mutwinya Rothmannia engleriana

Muvambang’oma Balanites aegyptiaca

Muwula Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Muwungowungo Landolphia parvifolia

Muyogoyogo Multidentia crassa

Mvila Ficus ingens

Mvungwa Kigelia africana

Mwage Strychnos spinosa subsp.

lokua

Mwasya Syzygium guineense

Mwiegea Kigelia africana

Myuguyu Balanites aegyptiaca

Mzambalawe Syzygium guineense

Nsanda Bidens pilosa

Nsapa Dactyloctenium aegyptium

Nsapa Dactyloctenium giganteum

Nsili zya mwipolu Vigna pubescens

Nsokolo Oxygonum sinuatum

Ntungu Amaranthus spinosus

Numbu Dioscorea cochlaeri-

apiculata

Nzegenzege Crotalaria natalitia var.

natalitia

Shyokolo Oxygonum sinuatum

Tuuti Ormocarpum kirkii

Nyasa

Bwaka Ipomoea eriocarpa

Chitelelu Ceratotheca sesamoides

Chitimbe Piliostigma thonningii

Kajambalame Deinbollia borbonica

Kunjengunjengu Friesodielsia obovata

Lungwe Dalbergia nitidula

Mabuyu Adansonia digitata

Malembe Adansonia digitata

Masuku Uapaca kirkiana

Maungu Landolphia kirkii

Maungu Landolphia parvifolia

Mawungu Saba comorensis

Mbula Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Mkungumwale Hexalobus monopetalus

Mtalilo Ipomoea eriocarpa

Mtoo Azanza garckeana

Vikoko ndumbila Fadogia cienkowskii var.

cienkowskii

Vikoko ndumbila Fadogia homblei

Nyaturu

Irwana Vitex mombassae

Mdumwa-kiguu Cordia sinensis

Mfama Borassus aethiopum

Mfetru Bussea massaiensis

Mfughuyu Balanites aegyptiaca

Mjaghamba Pappea capensis

Mkindu Phoenix reclinata

Mkulungundu Strychnos innocua

Mkulungundu Strychnos spinosa subsp.

lokua

Mkwaju Tamarindus indica

Mobibi Dalbergia nitidula

Mofere Psorospermum febrifugum

Mondoyanjoghu Syzygium cordatum

Mongoongo Cordia monoica

LOCAL NAMES

Nyaturu (contd)

Mpangwe Bidens pilosa

Msasati Vitex mombassae

Mtaai Vitex mombassae

Mubuntuwa Phyllanthus engleri

Mufuu Vitex ferruginea

Mufuu Vitex payos var. payos

Muhinko Acacia nilotica

Muhuvi Sclerocarya birrea subsp.

caffra

Mujuhu Commiphora africana

Mujulu Zanha africana

Mukhantokhanto Grewia similis

Mukhubo Acacia senegal

Mukuyu Ficus sycomorus

Mukwaju Tamarindus indica

Mulade Vangueria

madagascariensis

Mulade- Vangueria infausta subsp.

mujenghuma rotundata

Mulade- Vangueria

mujenghuma madagascariensis

Mulumba Ficus stuhlmannii

Mumpembe Grewia villosa

Mungungu Kigelia africana

Munianyonyi Ficus stuhlmannii

Munyingwa-

mpembe Osyris lanceolata

Munyongwa-

mpembe Syzygium cordatum

Mupumba Rothmannia engleriana

Musagha Lannea schweinfurthii var.

stuhlmannii

Musasarti Vitex mombassae

Musasu Piliostigma thonningii

Musinda Ormocarpum kirkii

Musingisa Flacourtia indica

Musuna Grewia mollis

Musuna-nu-kuu Grewia bicolor

Musundu Opilia amentacea

Mutonto Commiphora

mossambicensis

Mutrogho Azanza garckeana

Mutundwe Ximenia caffra

Mutungulu Senna singueana

Muvabaahi Osyris lanceolata

Nyiha

Ibula Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Igalilonji Embelia schimperi

Ikusu Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Liwisa Myrianthus arboreus

Liwisa Myrianthus holstii

Maula Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Mkunungu Vitex doniana

Mkusu-mpareni Uapaca sansibarica

Msangu Oncoba spinosa

Munyeraminu Bridelia micrantha

Munyeraminzi Bridelia micrantha

Sengamino Bridelia micrantha

Nyiramba

Kishasae Cucumis aculeatus

Kishasae Cucumis figarei

Mkungu-lusuli Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Mkungu-lusili Vangueria

madagascariensis

Mkungu-lusuli Vangueria

madagascariensis

Mpama Borassus aethiopum

Msasati Vitex mombassae

Msasi Vitex mombassae

Mtogho Azanza garckeana

Mtundwi Ximenia caffra

Mubilu Vangueria

madagascariensis

Mudugunga Balanites aegyptiaca

Mukuma Grewia similis

Mulunzi Kigelia africana

Mupulu Vitex ferruginea

Pare

Buruja Amaranthus spinosus

Ikobito Asystasia gangetica

Ikobito Asystasia mysorensis

Ikongo Tribulus terrestris

Ikongwe Commelina benghalensis

Ikongwe Mammea usambarensis

Ikonkho Tribulus terrestris

Ikungulanyoka Momordica foetida

Isae Dracaena mannii

Iteru Balanites aegyptiaca

Ivasha Urtica massaica

Ivava Urtica massaica

Kisambare Lobelia fervens subsp.

fervens

Kisegeju Cardamine trichocarpa

Kishangalaji Thylachium africanum

LOCAL NAMES

Kizulu Osyris lanceolata

Kokonida Lycium europaeum

Kweche Hyphaene compressa

Kweche Hyphaene coriacea

Mbiro Vangueria

madagascariensis

Mbwete Celosia trigyna

Mchofwe Carissa edulis

Mdaria Vangueria apiculata

Mdaria Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Mdaria Vangueria

madagascariensis

Mdaria Vangueria volkensii

Mdu Synsepalum brevipes

Mdu Synsepalum msolo

Mfune Sterculia appendiculata

Mjongolo Diospyros mespiliformis

Mkayo Salvadora persica

Mkisingo Balanites aegyptiaca

Mkonga Balanites aegyptiaca

Mkungulungu Lepisanthes senegalensis

Mkunguma Sorindeia

madagascariensis

Mkuu Ficus sur

Mlama Syzygium cordatum

Mlama Syzygium guineense

Mlenda Corchorus tridens

Mlenda Corchorus trilocularis

Mnangu Grewia similis

Mndujwi Solanum schumannianum

Mng’ong’o Sclerocarya birrea subsp.

caffra

Mnoja Sterculia rhynchocarpa

Mpololo Cordia sinensis

Mpwizopwizo Pyrostria bibracteata

Mramba Adansonia digitata

Msambia Synsepalum brevipes

Msambia Synsepalum msolo

Msele Zanthoxylum chalybeum

var. chalybeum

Mshasha Cordia monoica

Mshegheshe Strychnos spinosa subsp.

lokua

Mshunga-mboga Sonchus luxurians

Msidati Senna singueana

Msighe Lannea schweinfurthii var.

stuhlmannii

Msindali Senna singueana

Mtakataka Azanza garckeana

Mtelia Rubus apetalus

Muganda Parinari excelsa

Muikongwe Mammea usambarensis

Mwira Bridelia micrantha

Mzameli Acacia nilotica

Mzulu Osyris lanceolata

Ndusi Rubia cordifolia

Ng’holo ya msawo Hydnora abyssinica

Njujui Solanum anguivii

Totwe Landolphia kilimanjarica

Totwe Landolphia kirkii

Rangi

Chandu Lannea fulva

Gigambu Lantana camara

Ibuibui Sterculia mhosya

Ibuibui Sterculia quinqueloba

Ibwebwe Commiphora africana

Ichoro Delonix elata

Idaki Commiphora africana

Ihata Achyranthes aspera

Ijovya Commiphora africana

Ikechu Feretia apodanthera

subsp. tanzaniensis

Ikori Aloe nutii

Ikulula Achyranthes aspera

Ikuri Aloe nutii

Ikwandaja Commiphora

mossambicensis

Inyankumbi Trichodesma zeylanicum

Iperemesu Grewia platyclada

Iponde Commiphora africana

Irenda Sesamum angolense

Isuha Kigelia africana

Iyarampimbi Pappea capensis

Kibabibabi Psorospermum febrifugum

Kibwala Osyris lanceolata

Kihungawisu Acacia nilotica

Kihungawiswa Acacia nilotica

Kijame Acacia nilotica

Kimbwala Osyris lanceolata

Kivambang’ombe Balanites aegyptiaca

Kiviruviru Canthium burttii

Kiviruviru Canthium lactescens

Lukwaju Ziziphus abyssinica

Lukwaju Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

Mafaa Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Matua Azanza garckeana

Matwa Azanza garckeana

Mbajiru Syzygium guineense

Mbarahasha Achyranthes aspera

LOCAL NAMES

Rangi (contd)

Mbula Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Mbura Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Mchagai Azanza garckeana

Mchai Azanza garckeana

Mchumbau Vitex mombassae

Mdori Balanites aegyptiaca

Mduwau Grewia bicolor

Mduwau Grewia hexamita

Mduwau Grewia mollis

Mgunga Acacia nilotica

Mgurufa Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

Mhungawiswa Acacia nilotica

Mjengu Ximenia caffra

Mjijiva Balanites aegyptiaca

Mjijiva Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

Mjijiwa Balanites aegyptiaca

Mjingu Ximenia americana

Mjingu Ximenia caffra

Mjumbau Vitex mombassae

Mkabaku Carissa edulis

Mkamati Syzygium guineense

Mkambaiwe Strychnos spinosa subsp.

lokua

Mkomati Syzygium guineense

Mkunungu Zanthoxylum chalybeum

var. chalybeum

Mkuyu Ficus glumosa var.

glaberrina

Mkuyu Ficus sycomorus

Mkuyu Ficus vallis-choudae

Mkwaju Tamarindus indica

Mlungu Zanthoxylum chalybeum

var. chalybeum

Mnangu Grewia similis

Mnembu Cordia sinensis

Mngalapo Piliostigma thonningii

Mngurufa Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

Mnjulu Zanha africana

Mnuhu Zanha africana

Mpelemesu Grewia platyclada

Mpome Commiphora africana

Mpuru Vitex doniana

Mpuru Vitex payos var. payos

Msaambu Ficus vallis-choudae

Msakasaka Rhus natalensis

Msakasaka Rhus vulgaris

Msakawa Lannea schweinfurthii var.

stuhlmannii

Msambalawe Tapiphyllum obtusifolium

Msambu Ficus sycomorus

Msambu Ficus vallis-choudae

Msasa Cordia monoica

Msasha Cordia monoica

Msembere Azanza garckeana

Msisiviri Delonix elata

Msongolamambo Ormocarpum kirkii

Msongolamambo Ormocarpum

trichocarpum

Msuha Kigelia africana

Msuharu Syzygium cordatum

Msumbaive Strychnos spinosa subsp.

lokua

Msusulavana Sterculia mhosya

Mtarima Lannea fulva

Mterera Delonix elata

Mtowo Azanza garckeana

Mtula Azanza garckeana

Mtula-ikufa Pappea capensis

Mtundukarya Flacourtia indica

Mtungulu-mwiru Senna singueana

Mtwa Azanza garckeana

Muangu Sclerocarya birrea subsp.

caffra

Muchagai Azanza garckeana

Muchumbau Vitex mombassae

Muchunganyama Lannea fulva

Mudualo Antidesma venosum

Mugalapo Piliostigma thonningii

Muhunga Acacia nilotica

Muhunga Acacia senegal

Muizi Rhus natalensis

Muizi Rhus vulgaris

Mukomu Strychnos innocua

Mukomu Strychnos spinosa subsp.

lokua

Mukundi Rhus longipes

Mukuyu Ficus sycomorus

Mulungu Zanthoxylum chalybeum

var. chalybeum

Mumora Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Mumu Ficus glumosa var.

glaberrina

Mumu Ficus ingens

Mumu Ficus vallis-choudae

Mumura Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Mungalinya Syzygium cordatum

LOCAL NAMES

Munni Ormocarpum kirkii

Murenda Triumfetta cordifolia var.

tomentosa

Muriru Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Musada Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Musada Vangueria

madagascariensis

Musede Multidentia crassa

Musuha Kigelia africana

Musuharu Syzygium cordatum

Musuharu Syzygium guineense

Musuva Kigelia africana

Muswaru Syzygium guineense

Mutaritari Hoslundia opposita

Mutende Abutilon mauritianum

Mutungu Thylachium africanum

Mutungulu Senna singueana

Mutwa Azanza garckeana

Muuwi Ormocarpum

trichocarpum

Muviru Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Muviru Vangueria

madagascariensis

Mwave Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

Mwiizi Rhus vulgaris

Mwiwi Adansonia digitata

Mwuwi Ormocarpum

trichocarpum

Nyijiva Balanites aegyptiaca

Pumbuji Bidens pilosa

Uwi Ormocarpum kirkii

Rufiji

Mfuma Bombax rhodognaphalon

var. tomentosum

Mjembajemba Antidesma venosum

Mkonge Pyrostria bibracteata

Mkuku Ficus sur

Mnanga Carpodiptera africana

Msada Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Msarabo Syzygium guineense

Mshiri Grewia goetzeana

Msisingololo Trilepisium

madagascariense

Mtandi Kigelia africana

Mtawa Flacourtia indica

Mtopetope Annona senegalensis

Ngombe Saba comorensis

Nkobeliya Tapiphyllum burnettii

Nkobeliya Tapiphyllum cinerascens

var. cinerascens

Sambaa

Banko Maranthes goetzeniana

Bwache Amaranthus spinosus

Chunga kubwa Emilia coccinea

Chunga kuu Emilia coccinea

Danga-danga Portulaca oleracea

Fiefie Abutilon angulatum

Fiefie Abutilon mauritianum

Funga-mizinga Celosia argentea

Funga-msanga Celosia trigyna

Fuzu Maranthes goetzeniana

Fyefye Abutilon angulatum

Fyefye Abutilon mauritianum

Fyofyokoe Triumfetta cordifolia var.

tomentosa

Gentamana Rumex abyssinicus

Gentamana Rumex usambarensis

Ghoe Ampelocissus africana

Hombo Ormocarpum kirkii

Hombo kiumbu Ormocarpum

trichocarpum

Hombo-muungu Zanthoxylum chalybeum

var. chalybeum

Kapugutilo Chenopodium opulifolium

Kaziti-wanda Lippia kituiensis

Kibaazi-mzitu Eriosema ukingense

Kibwabwa Nicandra physaloides

Kibwando Corchorus tridens

Kibwando Corchorus trilocularis

Kidelele Aerva lanata

Kidwanga Triumfetta cordifolia var.

tomentosa

Kikongoo Scolopia zeyheri

Kikwandie Coffea eugenioides

Kikwandie Coffea mufindiensis

Kimachura Habenaria epipactidea

Kisogo Rourea orientalis

Kiteguzi Dracaena mannii

Kiviruviru Multidentia sclerocarpa

Kololwe Hibiscus acetosella

Kololwe Hibiscus surattensis

Kororwe Hibiscus ludwigii

Kungu-mti Adenia gummifera

Kunguiva Momordica rostrata

Kuti Pouteria adolfi-friedericii

subsp. australis

Kwake Sonchus luxurians

LOCAL NAMES

Sambaa (contd)

Kwavi Synaptolepis alternifolia

Langa Tacca leontopetaloides

Limi-ja-ng’ombe Emilia coccinea

Longe Dracaena mannii

Lufifia Sterculia tragacantha

Lugulashili Drymaria cordata

Luhagalanguku Sorindeia

madagascariensis

Lukaka Rubia cordifolia

Lukantamila Polygonum pulchrum

Lukenda Adenia gummifera

Lumaka Hibiscus acetosella

Lumaka Hibiscus ludwigii

Lumaka Hibiscus surattensis

Lushemu Chenopodium opulifolium

Lushwe Momordica foetida

Luwuga Maerua decumbens

Magamosi Cordia monoica

Mamata Pupalia lappacea var.

velutina

Mbamba Trichilia dregeana

Mbambangoma Balanites wilsoniana

Mbangwe Trichilia emetica

Mbawa Tragia insuarvis

Mbigili Oxygonum sinuatum

Mbokwe Annona senegalensis

Mbonyati-ngoshi Isoglossa lactea

Mbula Parinari excelsa

Mbungo Saba comorensis

Mbuni Mammea usambarensis

Mbuswa Acokanthera oppositifolia

Mbwakabwaka

Deinbollia kilimandscharica var.

kilimandscharica

Mbwembwe Bidens pilosa

Mbwewe Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius

subsp. vaughanii

Mbwewe Trichilia emetica

Mdaia Canthium oligocarpum

subsp. oligocarpum

Mdulu Englerophytum natalense

Mduyuyu Manilkara sulcata

Mfesti Carpodiptera africana

Mfulu Vitex ferruginea

Mfulwe Acalypha bipartita

Mfulwe Acalypha fruticosa

Mfulwe Acalypha ornata

Mfuma Bombax rhodognaphalon

var. tomentosum

Mfumba Carissa bispinosa

Mfumba Carissa edulis

Mfune Sterculia africana

Mfune Sterculia appendiculata

Mfuru Vitex ferruginea

Mgagawe Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

Mgama Mimusops kummel

Mgama Mimusops obtusifolia

Mgama Mimusops somaliensis

Mgambo Manilkara discolor

Mgambo Mimusops bagshawei

Mgambo Mimusops kummel

Mgambo Mimusops obtusifolia

Mgambo Mimusops somaliensis

Mgelegele Acacia nilotica

Mghambo Manilkara discolor

Mgobe Vitex doniana

Mgobe Vitex ferruginea

Mgolimazi Trichilia emetica

Mgonambogo Piliostigma thonningii

Mguguni Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

Mguira Rubia cordifolia

Mguoguo Pouteria alnifolia

Mgwata Cordyla africana

Mhetele Dialium holtzii

Mhetele Dialium orientale

Mhombo Ormocarpum kirkii

Mhula Parinari excelsa

Mhumba Senna singueana

Mhunguru Rhus natalensis

Mhunguru-

mhomba Rhus natalensis

Mhurusha-mbuzi Hibiscus micranthus

Mkaafuu Pouzolzia mixta

Mkalakala Carissa tetramera

Mkame Polysphaeria parvifolia

Mkandandogowe Psorospermum febrifugum

Mkangala Strychnos

madagascariensis

Mkanyi Allanblackia stuhlmanii

Mkanyi Allanblackia ulugurensis

Mkea-kundi Diospyros mespiliformis

Mkenene Polyceratocarpus scheffleri

Mkeyamasha Oldenlandia corymbosa

var. corymbosa

Mkindu Phoenix reclinata

Mkole-ng’ombe Grewia goetzeana

Mkole-ngoda Grewia bicolor

Mkonde Myrianthus arboreus

Mkonde Myrianthus holstii

Mkonde dume Myrianthus holstii

Mkonga Balanites rotundifolia

Mkonga Balanites wilsoniana

LOCAL NAMES

Mkongo Commelina benghalensis

Mkongola Scolopia stolzii

Mkongola Scolopia theifolia

Mkulukwa Multidentia fanshawei

Mkumbaku Carissa edulis

Mkundi Parkia filicoidea

Mkunguma Deinbollia borbonica

Mkunguma

Deinbollia kilimandscharica var.

kilimandscharica

Mkungwina Trichilia dregeana

Mkuntu Harungana

madagascariensis

Mkuti Pouteria adolfi-friedericii

subsp. australis

Mkuyu Ficus sur

Mkuyu Ficus sycomorus

Mkuyu Ficus vallis-choudae

Mkwamba Flueggea virosa

Mkwanga Zanha africana

Mkwazu Tamarindus indica

Mkwingwina Sorindeia

madagascariensis

Mleko Uvaria acuminata

Mlenda Ceratotheca sesamoides

Mmavimavi Alsodeiopsis schumannii

Mnangu Grewia similis

Mnavu-zinge Nicandra physaloides

Mnguoguo Pouteria alnifolia

Mntindi Cussonia spicata

Mnyembeue Erythrococca kirkii

Mnywanywa Rumex abyssinicus

Mohoyo Synsepalum ceraciferum

Monko-ya-nyika Trichilia emetica

Moza Sterculia rhynchocarpa

Mpafu Canarium

madagascariense

Mpia-mzitu Landolphia kilimanjarica

Mpia-mzitu Landolphia kirkii

Mpuishi Guizotia scabra

Msaa Phoenix reclinata

Msakula Tacca leontopetaloides

Msamaka Aframomum albiflorum

Msamaka Aframomum

angustifolium

Msamaka Cola scheffleri

Msambia Synsepalum msolo

Msambia-ongwe Pouteria alnifolia

Msambu Allanblackia stuhlmanii

Msambu Allanblackia ulugurensis

Msangate Combretum padoides

Msasa-kilasha Lantana trifolia

Msasa-kilasha Lantana ukambensis

Msasami Cola scheffleri

Mschihui Syzygium guineense

Msegese Piliostigma thonningii

Msegesege Piliostigma thonningii

Mshaa Rubus apetalus

Mshaa Rubus steudneri

Mshasa Cordia monoica

Mshida Dialium holtzii

Mshihwi Syzygium cordatum

Mshihwi Syzygium guineense

Mshila Dialium holtzii

Mshila Dialium orientale

Mshiwi Syzygium guineense

Mshizo Pyrostria bibracteata

Mshofu Annona stenophylla

Mshofu Uvaria acuminata

Mshofu Uvaria lucida subsp.

lucida

Mshunga-mboga Sonchus luxurians

Mshunguti Acokanthera schimperi

Mshushi Syzygium sclerophyllum

Msindo Acalypha ornata

Msofu Uvaria acuminata

Msofu Uvaria kirkii

Msosokolwe Triumfetta cordifolia var.

tomentosa

Msungu Acokanthera schimperi

Msungudi Syzygium cordatum

Mswaki Salvadora persica

Mtanga Strychnos innocua

Mtendele Cussonia spicata

Mtiwampara Scolopia theifolia

Mtiwapaa Dovyalis abyssinica

Mtondoro Ricinodendron heudelotii

subsp. africanum

Mtonga Oncoba spinosa

Mtonga Strychnos spinosa subsp.

lokua

Mtonkwe Annona senegalensis

Mtundui Ximenia americana

Mtundui Ximenia caffra

Mtuntano Rhus vulgaris

Mtwampara Scolopia zeyheri

Muela Acacia nilotica

Mugambo Manilkara discolor

Muhanta Lantana trifolia

Muhembeti Sterculia quinqueloba

Muhuba Syzygium guineense

Muhula Syzygium guineense

Muila-ngoto Cyathula orthacantha

Muinu Senna occidentalis

Muiza Bridelia micrantha

LOCAL NAMES

Sambaa (contd)

Munozambeyu Alsodeiopsis schumannii

Muokoyo Synsepalum ceraciferum

Muozambeyu Alsodeiopsis schumannii

Mutundi Cussonia spicata

Muula Parinari excelsa

Muungu-magoma Zanthoxylum chalybeum

var. chalybeum

Muuwa Parinari excelsa

Muyohoyo Synsepalum ceraciferum

Mvilu Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Mvilu Vangueria volkensii

Mviu Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Mviu Vangueria volkensii

Mvumo Ficus ingens

Mvumo Ficus sur

Mvuti Lantana camara

Mvuti Lippia kituiensis

Mwale Bombax rhodognaphalon

var. tomentosum

Mwanga Tacca leontopetaloides

Mwawa Hirtella megacarpa

Mwaza-njama Ritchiea albersii

Mwengele Cyphostemma njegerre

Mwevumbulo Opilia amentacea

Mwitango Bidens schimperi

Mwiza Bridelia micrantha

Mwooza-nyama Ritchiea albersii

Mzughu Trilepisium

madagascariense

Mzulu Osyris lanceolata

Ng’anga Maranthes goetzeniana

Ng’weng’we Dracaena mannii

Ngera Embelia schimperi

Ngola moyo Heliotropium zeylanicum

Ngolimazi Trichilia dregeana

Ngoma Pouteria alnifolia

Nguoguo Pouteria alnifolia

Njujui Solanum anguivii

Njujui Solanum schumannianum

Nkongo Commelina africana

Nkongo Commelina imberbis

Nkongo Commelina latifolia

Nshishi Tamarindus indica

Ntuavuka Multidentia sclerocarpa

Ntula-vuha Canthium oligocarpum

subsp. oligocarpum

Nywanywa Rumex abyssinicus

Nywanywa Rumex usambarensis

Paramoyo Aerva lanata

Pupu Laportea ovalifolia

Pwake Sonchus luxurians

Sambae Lobelia fervens subsp.

fervens

Sambarau Syzygium guineense

Sangari Lobelia fervens subsp.

fervens

Saza Celosia trigyna

Sesemlanda Trichodesma zeylanicum

Shambae Lobelia fervens subsp.

fervens

Shingaazi Thylachium africanum

Shunga-pwapwa Sonchus luxurians

Sosokolwe Triumfetta cordifolia var.

tomentosa

Talata Ipomoea pres-caprae

Tambuu Piper guineense

Tambwe Ensete ventricosum

Tebwa Aerva lanata

Tebwe Adansonia digitata

Tikini Asystasia gangetica

Tikini Asystasia mysorensis

Tonge Talinum portulacifolium

Tufia Urtica massaica

Tugu Dioscorea cochlaeri-

apiculata

Tugu Dioscorea dumetorum

Tugu Dioscorea odoratissima

Tugu Dioscorea quartiniana var.

quartiniana

Tugu Dioscorea schimperiana

Ugooto Landolphia kilimanjarica

Ugoroto Landolphia kirkii

Ukakaka Rubia cordifolia

Unkobo Justicia heterocarpa

Utambaa-ngoshwe Hewittia sublobata

Vitoria Ancylobotrys petersiana

Vumo Borassus aethiopum

Yang’andu Celosia schweinfurthiana

Sandawi

/”Ánka Bussea massaiensis

/”iko Kedrostis leloja

/./.Hwaa Grewia mollis

/.Amaka Lannea schweinfurthii var.

stuhlmannii

/.Umphá Momordica rostrata

/.Wandánda Ximenia

caffra

//’aáya Ximenia americana

/a./da Aloe nutii

/ank’á Tamarindus indica

LOCAL NAMES

Amamasóó Hydnora abyssinica

An/./.uma Sclerocarya birrea subsp.

caffra

Angweegwee Cordia sinensis

Arange Delonix elata

Betabeta Ceratotheca sesamoides

Dong Azanza garckeana

E’kegheke Strychnos innocua

Erenze Sesamum angolense

G/.éke Strychnos innocua

G/.omi Lannea humilis

Gele Adansonia digitata

Gelegela Senna singueana

Gheke Strychnos innocua

Hangwe Hyphaene petersiana

Helá Dactyloctenium aegyptium

Helá Dactyloctenium giganteum

Hlampuka Peponium vogelii

Irata Kigelia africana

Kekeneka Cleome hirta

Khoa Grewia platyclada

Khotso Zanthoxylum chalybeum

var. chalybeum

Kóbá Coccinia grandis

Konkór/.intsha Asparagus africanus

Konkór/.intsha Asparagus flagellaris

Kwilili Lannea fulva

Kwilili Lannea rivae

Manange Acacia nilotica

Mtungu Thylachium africanum

Muléwa Salvadora persica

Mumbu/he Cucumis aculeatus

N/.unk’máxáe Vangueria

madagascariensis

N/.uúk Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Naaso Vitex payos var. payos

Nam Multidentia crassa

Namu Canthium burttii

Okoo Berchemia discolor

Ooko Berchemia discolor

Ráta Kigelia africana

Sagár Corchorus trilocularis

Sákána Ficus sycomorus

Samangwe Phyllanthus engleri

Segele Maerua decumbens

Serekuúk Grewia bicolor

Sisimpirae Tapiphyllum cinerascens

var. cinerascens

Thokoi Berchemia discolor

Tipa Cordia monoica

Tipan Cordia monoica

Tlágwa Sterculia africana

Tlan/.kakaso Opuntia vulgaris

Ts’imak’o Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

Tsampure Grewia similis

Tsengeré Opilia amentacea

X’waa Grewia mollis

X’waa Grewia platyclada

Xaxabo Azanza garckeana

Xaya Ximenia caffra

Xóá Grewia platyclada

Sangu

Ifufu Sesamothamnus

busseanus

Livale Raphia farinifera

Mbajua Grewia platyclada

Mhanja Senna singueana

Mingi Ximenia americana

Mkombalwike Piliostigma thonningii

Mkondo Adansonia digitata

Mkwelangedege Sterculia quinqueloba

Mpelemehe Grewia bicolor

Mpelemehe Grewia mollis

Mpumba Rothmannia engleriana

Msinatemo Dalbergia nitidula

Mswake Salvadora persica

Mtangadas Strychnos spinosa subsp.

lokua

Mtanula Ziziphus abyssinica

Mtanula Ziziphus mauritiana

Mtanula Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

Mtundwahai Ximenia americana

Muhela Piliostigma thonningii

Mwingirangedege Sterculia quinqueloba

Nyasowasa Heliotropium zeylanicum

Sukuma

Bonani Corchorus tridens

Bukindu Phoenix reclinata

Bushishi Tamarindus indica

Huhunga Acalypha ornata

Igongwe Emilia coccinea

Igwata Acacia senegal

Ihulungula Uvaria acuminata

Ilendi Sesamum angolense

Isoma-ng’ombe Hygrophila auriculata

Kambolambola Tapiphyllum discolor

Lubisu Opilia amentacea

Luwecha Aerva lanata

LOCAL NAMES

Sukuma (contd)

Lyungu-lya-nzoka Momordica rostrata

Matwigampuli Opuntia vulgaris

Mbigili Tribulus terrestris

Mbigiri Tribulus terrestris

Mbuguswa Feretia apodanthera

subsp. tanzaniensis

Mdagwata Grewia mollis

Mdubilo Acacia nilotica

Mfulu Vitex fischeri

Mgamzabakama Antidesma venosum

Mgugunu Ziziphus abyssinica

Mgugunu Ziziphus mauritiana

Mgugunu Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

Mgukubi Vitex mombassae

Mgumo Ficus stuhlmannii

Mgwicha Kigelia africana

Mhoja Sterculia africana

Mhoja Sterculia mhosya

Mhunguru Rhus natalensis

Mkalya Zanha africana

Mkoma Grewia bicolor

Mkondokondo Rothmannia engleriana

Mkonze Manilkara mochisia

Mkuwa Hexalobus monopetalus

Mkwata Acacia senegal

Mnazi Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Mpelemese Grewia platyclada

Mpingi Ximenia americana

Mpuguswa Flacourtia indica

Mpulu Vitex fischeri

Mpulu Vitex madiensis subsp.

milanjiensis

Msambilya Senna singueana

Msayu Lannea schweinfurthii var.

stuhlmannii

Mshindwi Anisophyllea boehmii

Mshindwi Anisophyllea pomifera

Msungwi Vitex mombassae

Mswake Salvadora persica

Mtindwa-mbogo Piliostigma thonningii

Mtundwa Ximenia americana

Muche Salvadora persica

Mugamzabakama Antidesma venosum

Muhama Borassus aethiopum

Muhoja Sterculia quinqueloba

Mukoma Grewia bicolor

Mukonje Manilkara mochisia

Mwandu Adansonia digitata

Myuguyugu Balanites aegyptiaca

Namata Cyathula orthacantha

Ndagwasa Grewia similis

Ndati Grewia conocarpoides

Ndiga Dioscorea dumetorum

Nembu Cordia monoica

Ng’ombe-ya-hasi Hydnora abyssinica

Ng’ongo Sclerocarya birrea subsp.

caffra

Ng’wandu Adansonia digitata

Ng’watya Zanha africana

Ngombe-ya-hansi Hydnora abyssinica

Ngubalu Canthium burttii

Ngwandu Adansonia digitata

Ngwicha Kigelia africana

Nkamu Canthium burttii

Nkoma Grewia fallax

Nsalasi Friesodielsia obovata

Nsayu Lannea schweinfurthii var.

stuhlmannii

Nselya Lannea fulva

Nshishi Tamarindus indica

Nsindwi Anisophyllea pomifera

Ntinje Lannea rivae

Nungu Zanthoxylum chalybeum

var. chalybeum

Nyuguyu Balanites aegyptiaca

Nzegenzege Senna occidentalis

Sungute Trichilia emetica

Swahili

Kiazi kikuu Dioscorea cochlaeri-

apiculata

Kiazi kikuu Dioscorea dumetorum

Kiazi kikuu Dioscorea odoratissima

Kiazi kikuu Dioscorea quartiniana var.

quartiniana

Kiazi kikuu Dioscorea schimperiana

Kiazi pori Ipomoea cairica var.

cairica

Kichochomi Dioscorea sansibarensis

Kifundo Rubia cordifolia

Kigongo Dioscorea dumetorum

Kihari Lepisanthes senegalensis

Kikopwe Jacquemontia tamnifolia

Kikwa Dioscorea dumetorum

Kikwata Acacia senegal

Kikwayakwaya Stachytarpheta

jamaicensis

Kilemba cha

bwana Emilia coccinea

Kimbugimbugi Dactyloctenium aegyptium

Kimbugimbugi Dactyloctenium giganteum

LOCAL NAMES

Kinana Dioscorea dumetorum

Kindri Oxygonum sinuatum

Kinonga Aerva lanata

Kinonga Aerva leucura

Kinwale Lobelia fervens subsp.

fervens

Kisambale Lobelia fervens subsp.

fervens

Kisegeju Cardamine trichocarpa

Kishonanguo Bidens pilosa

Kisimamleo Aloe nutii

Kisogo Platostoma africanum

Kongwa Commelina africana

Kunde mbala. Dolichos trilobus

Kunde mwitu Vigna pubescens

Majani ya mwaka Ipomoea pres-caprae

Mandali Adenia gummifera

Marejea Crotalaria natalitia var.

natalitia

Mariga Dioscorea dumetorum

Masikio tembo Opuntia vulgaris

Maua Ricinodendron heudelotii

subsp. africanum

Mbalamwezi Sterculia quinqueloba

Mbamba ngoma Balanites rotundifolia

Mbamba ngoma Pappea capensis

Mbamba ngoma Piliostigma thonningii

Mbamba Oxygonum sinuatum

Mbambara Commiphora africana

Mbani Canarium schweinfurthii

Mbaraka Senna singueana

Mbibikiu Synaptolepis alternifolia

Mbibikiu Synaptolepis kirkii

Mbigili Oxygonum sinuatum

Mbigili Tribulus terrestris

Mbigiri Oxygonum sinuatum

Mbigiri Tribulus terrestris

Mbiha Abutilon mauritianum

Mboga mwitu Coccinia grandis

Mboga wa pwani Sesuvium portulacastrum

Mbomba Kigelia africana

Mboza Sterculia africana

Mbua nono Antidesma venosum

Mbula Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Mbula Parinari excelsa

Mbungati Kigelia africana

Mbungo Landolphia kilimanjarica

Mbungo Landolphia parvifolia

Mbungo Saba comorensis

Mbura Harungana

madagascariensis

Mbura Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Mbura Parinari excelsa

Mbuyu Adansonia digitata

Mbwanga Vitex mombassae

Mbwewe Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius

subsp. vaughanii

Mchacha Acalypha ornata

Mchachu Rumex abyssinicus

Mchachu Rumex usambarensis

Mchakwe Annona senegalensis

Mchakwe Psorospermum febrifugum

Mchambigi Manilkara sulcata

Mchamvia Synsepalum brevipes

Mchamvia Synsepalum ceraciferum

Mchanvia Garcinia livingstonei

Mchapa Borassus aethiopum

Mcheji Manilkara sansibarensis

Mcheji Manilkara sulcata

Mcheji dume Manilkara sulcata

Mchekaucha Xylotheca tettensis var.

kirkii

Mchekeche Piliostigma thonningii

Mchekwa Annona senegalensis

Mchekwa Bauhinia kalantha

Mchekwa Xylotheca tettensis var.

kirkii

Mchengele Rhus longipes

Mchenza mwitu Uapaca paludosa

Mchenza mwitu Uapaca sansibarica

Mchicha Alternanthera tenella var.

bettzickiana

Mchicha Amaranthus spinosus

Mchicha Asystasia gangetica

Mchicha maua Alternanthera tenella var.

bettzickiana

Mchicha pori Celosia trigyna

Mchikichiki Piliostigma thonningii

Mcho Uvaria kirkii

Mchocho dume Synsepalum msolo

Mchocho jike Synsepalum brevipes

Mchochokoe Triumfetta cordifolia var.

tomentosa

Mchochoni Dioscorea sansibarensis

Mchofu Uvaria kirkii

Mchongoma Flacourtia indica

Mchumvichumvi Rumex abyssinicus

Mchumvichumvi Rumex usambarensis

Mchunga Sonchus luxurians

Mchungu Acokanthera schimperi

Mchunju Balanites aegyptiaca

Mdahamwitu Hoslundia opposita

LOCAL NAMES

Swahili (contd)

Mdamudamu Harungana

madagascariensis

Mdara Oncoba spinosa

Mdudu Ritchiea albersii

Mdudu Thylachium africanum

Mduyuyu Englerophytum

magalismontanum

Mduyuyu Englerophytum natalense

Mfausiku Delonix elata

Mfuchwe Asystasia gangetica

Mfudu Vitex doniana

Mfudu Vitex ferruginea

Mfudu Vitex fischeri

Mfudu Vitex madiensis subsp.

milanjiensis

Mfudu Vitex mombassae

Mfudu Vitex payos var. payos

Mfudu maji Vitex mombassae

Mfukufuku Brexia madagascariensis

Mfukufuku Grewia bicolor

Mfulu Vitex ferruginea

Mfune Sterculia appendiculata

Mfunga waume Synaptolepis kirkii

Mfupapo Pyrostria bibracteata

Mfupapu Lannea schweinfurthii var.

stuhlmannii

Mfurahisha

mkundu Opuntia vulgaris

Mfuru Vitex doniana

Mfurugudu Brexia madagascariensis

Mfuta Sesamum calycinum var.

angustifolium

Mfuu Vitex doniana

Mfuu Vitex ferruginea

Mfuu Vitex fischeri

Mfuu Vitex madiensis subsp.

milanjiensis

Mfuu Vitex payos var. payos

Mgama Manilkara obovata

Mgama Mimusops bagshawei

Mgama Mimusops kummel

Mgama Mimusops somaliensis

Mgambo Manilkara dawei

Mgambo Manilkara discolor

Mgambo Manilkara obovata

Mgambo Manilkara sansibarensis

Mgambo Mimusops bagshawei

Mgambo Mimusops kummel

Mgambo kapu Mimusops obtusifolia

Mganda simba Uvaria acuminata

Mganda simba Uvaria lucida subsp.

lucida

Mgege Vitex ferruginea

Mgege Vitex mombassae

Mgiriti Diospyros mespiliformis

Mgo Flacourtia indica

Mgomba mwitu Ensete ventricosum

Mgomba tumbili Ensete ventricosum

Mgombakofi Typhonodorum

lindleyanum

Mgombe Diospyros mespiliformis

Mgovigovi Flacourtia indica

Mgovigovi Scolopia rhamniphylla

Mgovigovi Scolopia stolzii

Mgovigovi Scolopia theifolia

Mgude Sterculia appendiculata

Mgudi Polysphaeria multiflora

Mguguni Balanites wilsoniana

Mgulungungulu Strychnos innocua

Mgunga Acacia nilotica

Mgunga Acacia senegal

Mguoguo Pouteria alnifolia

Mguvi Manilkara sansibarensis

Mgwata Cordyla africana

Mgwede Encephalartos

hildebrandtii

Mgweni Uvaria acuminata

Mhacha Acalypha bipartita

Mhacha Acalypha fruticosa

Mhilihili Sorindeia

madagascariensis

Mjafari Zanthoxylum chalybeum

var. chalybeum

Mjamanda Abutilon mauritianum

Mjoho Diospyros mespiliformis

Mjunju Balanites aegyptiaca

Mkahawa mwitu Coffea eugenioides

Mkahawa mwitu Coffea mufindiensis

Mkalya Zanha africana

Mkamasi Cordia sinensis

Mkandi Dactyloctenium giganteum

Mkangaa Eugenia capensis subsp.

nyassensis

Mkange Allanblackia stuhlmanii

Mkange Allanblackia ulugurensis

Mkanja Polysphaeria parvifolia

Mkaracha Antidesma venosum

Mkarafuu mwitu Syzygium cordatum

Mkarakara Bridelia micrantha

Mkaranga mti Bombax rhodognaphalon

var. tomentosum

Mkaranga mwitu Alsodeiopsis schumannii

Mkarati Bridelia micrantha

Mkatu Synaptolepis alternifolia

LOCAL NAMES

Mkatu Synaptolepis kirkii

Mkekundu Harungana

madagascariensis

Mkengeti Adenia gummifera

Mkichikichi Piliostigma thonningii

Mkikoma Carpodiptera africana

Mkilimu Deinbollia borbonica

Mkimbo Allanblackia stuhlmanii

Mkimbo Allanblackia ulugurensis

Mkindu Phoenix reclinata

Mkingili Flacourtia indica

Mkoche Hyphaene compressa

Mkoche Hyphaene coriacea

Mkoche Hyphaene petersiana

Mkole Grewia bicolor

Mkole Grewia conocarpoides

Mkole Grewia fallax

Mkole Grewia goetzeana

Mkole Grewia hexamita

Mkole Grewia mollis

Mkole Grewia platyclada

Mkole Grewia similis

Mkole Grewia trichocarpa

Mkole Grewia villosa

Mkoma Hyphaene compressa

Mkoma Hyphaene coriacea

Mkone Grewia bicolor

Mkonechacha Hirtella megacarpa

Mkonga Balanites rotundifolia

Mkonga Balanites wilsoniana

Mkonge Pyrostria bibracteata

Mkongoro Carpodiptera africana

Mkono chuma Rhus natalensis

Mkono chuma Rhus vulgaris

Mkorobosho Grewia villosa

Mkororo Commiphora africana

Mkuju Ficus sur

Mkuku mbuzi Garcinia livingstonei

Mkulu Berchemia discolor

Mkumba Rhus natalensis

Mkuna chuma Rhus natalensis

Mkunazi Ziziphus mauritiana

Mkunazi mwitu Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

Mkunazi pori Ziziphus mauritiana

Mkunde Parkia filicoidea

Mkundekunde Senna singueana

Mkunguma Deinbollia borbonica

Mkunguma

Deinbollia kilimandscharica var.

kilimandscharica

Mkunguma Sorindeia

madagascariensis

Mkungu wazimu Inhambanella henriquesii

Mkungwina Trichilia dregeana

Mkungwina Trichilia emetica

Mkunungu Zanthoxylum chalybeum

var. chalybeum

Mkurufu Brexia madagascariensis

Mkusu Uapaca kirkiana

Mkuu hafungwa Adansonia digitata

Mkuu hapingwa Adansonia digitata

Mkuvufu Brexia madagascariensis

Mkuyu Ficus glumosa var.

glaberrina

Mkuyu Ficus sansibarica

Mkuyu Ficus sur

Mkuyu Ficus sycomorus

Mkuyu Ficus vallis-choudae

Mkwaju Tamarindus indica

Mkwakwa Strychnos innocua

Mkwakwa Strychnos

madagascariensis

Mkwakwa Strychnos spinosa subsp.

lokua

Mkwamba Flueggea virosa

Mkwanga Encephalartos

hildebrandtii

Mkwanga Zanha africana

Mkwema Xylotheca tettensis var.

kirkii

Mkwera nyani Sterculia quinqueloba

Mlakasa Ipomoea pres-caprae

Mlakungu Sorindeia

madagascariensis

Mlala Hyphaene compressa

Mlala Hyphaene coriacea

Mlala Hyphaene petersiana

Mlama mwitu Rhus vulgaris

Mlanga Tacca leontopetaloides

Mlangwe Lepisanthes senegalensis

Mlanyuni Hoslundia opposita

Mlapaa Polysphaeria parvifolia

Mlati Syzygium cordatum

Mlenda Corchorus fascicularis

Mlenda Corchorus

pseudocapsularis

Mlenda Corchorus tridens

Mlenda Corchorus trilocularis

Mlenda Malva parviflora

Mlenda Sesamum angolense

Mlenda mbata Ceratotheca sesamoides

Mlenda mwitu Sesamum calycinum var.

angustifolium

Mlimbo Landolphia kirkii

LOCAL NAMES

Swahili (contd)

Mlishangwe Rhus vulgaris

Mlopa Parkia filicoidea

Mlungwana Landolphia kirkii

Mmeru sukari Landolphia kirkii

Mnago Berchemia discolor

Mnago Manilkara mochisia

Mnanyakanda Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius

subsp. vaughanii

Mnasa nguo Pupalia lappacea var.

velutina

Mnduwe Azanza garckeana

Mng’ong’o Sclerocarya birrea subsp.

caffra

Mngonengone Harungana

madagascariensis

Mnguvi Mimusops obtusifolia

Mnuka uvundo Senna occidentalis

Mnyaa Hyphaene compressa

Mnyaa Hyphaene coriacea

Mnya mate Cordia sinensis

Mnyambo Hydnora abyssinica

Mnyumbo Lannea schweinfurthii var.

stuhlmannii

Mongo Sclerocarya birrea subsp.

caffra

Mouma Uapaca sansibarica

Moyo Landolphia kirkii

Moza Sterculia africana

Moza Sterculia mhosya

Mpafu Canarium

madagascariense

Mpafu Canarium schweinfurthii

Mpakasi Sorindeia

madagascariensis

Mpapa Strychnos spinosa subsp.

lokua

Mpekecho Garcinia kingaensis

Mpekechu Dialium holtzii

Mpekechu Dialium orientale

Mpekechu Garcinia livingstonei

Mpekechu Garcinia smeathmannii

Mpeketo Garcinia livingstonei

Mpepeta Dialium holtzii

Mpepeta Dialium orientale

Mpera mwitu Strychnos cocculoides

Mpilipili Sorindeia

madagascariensis

Mpilipili doria Sorindeia

madagascariensis

Mpingi Ximenia americana

Mpingi Ximenia caffra

Mpira Landolphia kirkii

Mpira Saba comorensis

Mpo Landolphia kirkii

Mponda Commiphora africana

Mponda Commiphora

mossambicensis

Mpovupovu Commelina benghalensis

Mpumbuti Brexia madagascariensis

Mpungate Opuntia vulgaris

Mpupu Laportea ovalifolia

Mpupu Urtica massaica

Mpweke Diospyros mespiliformis

Mpyo Landolphia kirkii

Mranaa Kigelia africana

Mrigi Polysphaeria parvifolia

Mrinja kondo Rhus vulgaris

Mripuripu Xylotheca tettensis var.

kirkii

Mroma Cordyla africana

Msaga Antidesma venosum

Msambali Lobelia fervens subsp.

fervens

Msambia Synsepalum brevipes

Msambia Synsepalum msolo

Msambu Allanblackia stuhlmanii

Msambu Allanblackia ulugurensis

Msamvia Synsepalum brevipes

Msamvia Synsepalum msolo

Msandali Osyris lanceolata

Msapa Manilkara mochisia

Msapo Encephalartos

hildebrandtii

Msasa Cordia monoica

Msasa mlanda Trichodesma zeylanicum

Msasuzi Antidesma venosum

Msegese Piliostigma thonningii

Msekwasekwa Xylotheca tettensis var.

kirkii

Mshambo Allanblackia stuhlmanii

Mshambo Allanblackia ulugurensis

Mshonzi Manilkara sansibarensis

Mshubili Aloe nutii

Msiki Carpolobia goetzii

Msikundazi Inhambanella henriquesii

Msindi Diospyros mespiliformis

Msisimizi Antidesma venosum

Msofu Uvaria kirkii

Msogo Rourea orientalis

Msuaga Antidesma venosum

Msubili Aloe nutii

Msufi mwitu Bombax rhodognaphalon

var. tomentosum

LOCAL NAMES

Msunguti Acokanthera oppositifolia

Msunguti Acokanthera schimperi

Mswaki Salvadora persica

Mtakaa Sterculia africana

Mtalala Uapaca nitida

Mtalala Uapaca sansibarica

Mtalali Vitex ferruginea

Mtalali Vitex mombassae

Mtalawanda Manilkara mochisia

Mtama mwitu Sorghum purpureo-

sericeum

Mtambuu mwitu Piper guineense

Mtanda mboo Carissa edulis

Mtanda mboo Carissa tetramera

Mtango mwitu Cucumis aculeatus

Mtango mwitu Cucumis dipsaceus

Mtapa Borassus aethiopum

Mteja Flueggea virosa

Mteremtere Hoslundia opposita

Mteweji Manilkara sulcata

Mti chuma Manilkara sansibarensis

Mti sumu Kigelia africana

Mtigonzi Cordyla africana

Mtikini Asystasia gangetica

Mtikiza Sorindeia

madagascariensis

Mtimagoa Antidesma venosum

Mtimaji Trichilia dregeana

Mtimaji Trichilia emetica

Mtindapo Carpolobia goetzii

Mtishangwe Rhus natalensis

Mtomoko mwitu Annona senegalensis

Mtonga Strychnos cocculoides

Mtonga Strychnos innocua

Mtonga Strychnos

madagascariensis

Mtonga Strychnos pungens

Mtonga Strychnos spinosa subsp.

lokua

Mtongonya Typhonodorum

lindleyanum

Mtopetope Annona senegalensis

Mtopetope Annona stenophylla

Mtoria Ancylobotrys petersiana

Mtoto Uapaca sansibarica

Mtotozi Garcinia livingstonei

Mtowe Ancylobotrys petersiana

Mtuguu Aframomum albiflorum

Mtuguu Aframomum

angustifolium

Mtula Solanum schumannianum

Mtumbi Garcinia livingstonei

Mtumbu Garcinia smeathmannii

Mtundakula Ximenia americana

Mtundu Lannea schweinfurthii var.

stuhlmannii

Mtunguja Solanum schumannianum

Mtunguma Sorindeia

madagascariensis

Mtunguru Aframomum albiflorum

Mtunguru Aframomum

angustifolium

Mtunguru Thylachium africanum

Mtunu Harungana

madagascariensis

Mturituri Commiphora africana

Mtutu Bridelia micrantha

Muaa Hyphaene compressa

Muawa Ricinodendron heudelotii

subsp. africanum

Mumbu Lannea schweinfurthii var.

stuhlmannii

Mumbwe Cordyla africana

Muumbu Lannea schweinfurthii var.

stuhlmannii

Muuyu Adansonia digitata

Mvepe Lantana trifolia

Mviru Vangueria apiculata

Mviru Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Mviru Vangueria

madagascariensis

Mviru Vangueria volkensii

Mvoo Cordyla africana

Mvuma Borassus aethiopum

Mvumba Vitex mombassae

Mvunja kondo Rhus natalensis

Mvuti Lantana camara

Mvuti Lippia kituiensis

Mwacha Uvaria acuminata

Mwaka Allanblackia stuhlmanii

Mwaka Allanblackia ulugurensis

Mwakamwaka Deinbollia borbonica

Mwale Raphia farinifera

Mwanga Tacca leontopetaloides

Mwangajo Ficus sur

Mwangamaima Carpodiptera africana

Mwatata Azanza garckeana

Mwawa Hirtella megacarpa

Mwinamia ziwa Antidesma venosum

Mwingajini Senna bicapsularis

Mwingajini Senna occidentalis

Mwinika nguu Asparagus africanus

Mwinika nguu Asparagus flagellaris

LOCAL NAMES

Swahili (contd)

Myamayu Syzygium cordatum

Myungiyungi Nymphaea lotus

Myungiyungi Nymphaea nouchali var.

caerulea

Mzabibu mwitu Ampelocissus africana

Mzabibu mwitu Cissus quarrei

Mzabibu mwitu Cyphostemma njegerre

Mzambarau mwitu Syzygium cordatum

Mzambarau mwitu Syzygium guineense

Mzambarau mwitu Syzygium masukuense

subsp. masukuense

Mzambarau ziwa Syzygium cordatum

Mzambarau ziwa Syzygium owariense

Mziwaziwa Antidesma venosum

Mzuari Syzygium cordatum

Mzuari Syzygium guineense

Mzukizuki Carpolobia goetzii

Ndiga Dioscorea dumetorum

Pulule Achyranthes aspera

Tako la hasani Portulaca oleracea

Tunda nyoka Momordica rostrata

Tungulu Aframomum

angustifolium

Tungunyu Dioscorea sansibarensis

Tunguru Aframomum albiflorum

Tunguru Aframomum

angustifolium

Ukakaka Rubia cordifolia

Ulimi wa ngombe Emilia coccinea

Utonge Rubus apetalus

Utonge Rubus rigidus

Tongwe

Buhono Pseudospondias

microcarpa

Bulindiye Dracaena mannii

Bulonje Dracaena mannii

Igandamakungu Salacia leptoclada

Igongo Sclerocarya birrea subsp.

caffra

Ihambwa Ficus vallis-choudae

Ikongwa Diospyros kirkii

Ikubila Ficus sur

Ikuku Ficus glumosa var.

glaberrina

Ikuku Ficus sycomorus

Ikusu Uapaca kirkiana

Ilende-lya-

kenyinamwami Piper guineense

Ilombo Saba comorensis

Ipela Sesamum angolense

Ipempu Sonchus luxurians

Isakama Myrianthus arboreus

Isakama Myrianthus holstii

Iseha Parkia filicoidea

Kabuga Tacca leontopetaloides

Kabulampako Vitex ferruginea

Kabunditoke Ensete ventricosum

Kafulujege Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius

subsp. vaughanii

Kafulujegeya Vitex madiensis subsp.

milanjiensis

Kagobole Ziziphus abyssinica

Kagobole Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

Kakomakoma Pistia stratiotes

Kakonda Hibiscus surattensis

Kakubabolo Sterculia tragacantha

Kakusufinya Uapaca sansibarica

Kalasa Bidens pilosa

Kamembe Bridelia micrantha

Kamoko Trichilia dregeana

Kamoko Trichilia emetica

Kampakampaka Trichilia dregeana

Kangululungululu Psorospermum febrifugum

Kankundu Strychnos innocua

Kaposo Oncoba spinosa

Kasolyo Garcinia buchananii

Katikamonga Asystasia gangetica

Katimba Dictyophleba lucida

Katwa Oncoba spinosa

Libufu Landolphia kirkii

Libwaje Strychnos cocculoides

Lifumbu Strychnos cocculoides

Lifungwa Kigelia africana

Lindiga Dioscorea cochlaeri-

apiculata

Lindiga Dioscorea dumetorum

Lufila Annona senegalensis

Lufulu Vitex doniana

Lujongololo Monanthotaxis poggei

Lukungwisa Asparagus africanus

Lukungwisa Asparagus flagellaris

Lulobe Uapaca nitida

Lumpepete Commelina imberbis

Lungogolo Multidentia crassa

Lunkukuma Grewia platyclada

Lunsyonsyo Ipomoea cairica var.

cairica

Lusanda Phoenix reclinata

Lusangabale Syzygium guineense

Lusantu Ximenia americana

Lushete Acalypha ornata

LOCAL NAMES

Lusindwi Anisophyllea boehmii

Lusisi Tamarindus indica

Lusungunimba Flacourtia indica

Mambamlele Trichodesma zeylanicum

Mbunisigo Pyrostria bibracteata

Mfungu Celosia trigyna

Mkubukubu Sterculia tragacantha

Mlale Pouteria alnifolia

Mlangale Englerophytum

magalismontanum

Mlenda Sesamum angolense

Mlonje Mimusops kummel

Mlyansekesi Synsepalum ceraciferum

Msabasaba Syzygium cordatum

Msabasaba Syzygium guineense

Msakafya Synsepalum ceraciferum

Msakanasaka Piliostigma thonningii

Msankafya Synsepalum ceraciferum

Msolosolo Englerophytum natalense

Mtimpu Antidesma venosum

Mtipo Antidesma venosum

Mtobo Azanza garckeana

Mtunu Harungana

madagascariensis

Mtwentwe Englerophytum

magalismontanum

Mubula Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Mubula Parinari excelsa

Mulale Pouteria alnifolia

Mwale Pouteria adolfi-friedericii

subsp. australis

Ngwena ja

kulutambo Achyranthes aspera

Ntembe Dioscorea cochlaeri-

apiculata

Ntunfululu Solanum anguivii

Sigonfi Canarium schweinfurthii

Sitobaga Ricinodendron heudelotii

subsp. africanum

Vidunda

Mdai Tamarindus indica

Mkoga Vitex doniana

Mkoga Vitex payos var. payos

Mkoko Diospyros mespiliformis

Mkokokivu Diospyros kirkii

Mkole-bwabwa Grewia goetzeana

Mkulwi Diospyros mespiliformis

Mnyanza Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius

subsp. vaughanii

Msada Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Msada Vangueria volkensii

Msurupi Sorindeia

madagascariensis

Muyanza Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius

subsp. vaughanii

Wanji

Chikande Satyrium macrophyllum

Chikande Satyrium neglectum var.

neglectum

Kikande Habenaria walleri

Libangala Myrianthus holstii

Lidoni Rubus apetalus

Lidoni Rubus rigidus

Lidunula Osyris lanceolata

Limpombo Cussonia spicata

Lisekelu Rhus vulgaris

Lisekeru-dume Rhus longipes

Litungu Scolopia theifolia

Litungu Scolopia zeyheri

Sing’ani Eugenia capensis subsp.

nyassensis

Yao

Lukolowa Commelina imberbis

Mkowatama Combretum padoides

Mkuyamani Sesamum angolense

Mkwachu Manilkara mochisia

Mngulungulu Strychnos innocua

Njerenje Berchemia discolor

Ntongotongo lya

huluka Synaptolepis alternifolia

Nzukumbi Synaptolepis alternifolia

Unhungu Dalbergia nitidula

Zaramo

Kiga-nungu Synaptolepis alternifolia

Kisogo Rourea orientalis

Kunde-mbala Vigna pubescens

Mbigili Tribulus terrestris

Mbula Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Mcheju Manilkara sulcata

Mchofu Uvaria lucida subsp.

lucida

Mdudu Thylachium africanum

Membwa Ximenia americana

Mfuru Vitex doniana

Mfuru Vitex ferruginea

Mgama Mimusops obtusifolia

Mgegewa Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

LOCAL NAMES

Zaramo (contd)

Mgelezi Synsepalum brevipes

Mgelezi Synsepalum msolo

Mhingi Ximenia americana

Mhombo Rourea orientalis

Mkarangatanga Bridelia micrantha

Mkekwa Xylotheca tettensis var.

kirkii

Mkole mweupe Grewia bicolor

Mkole mweupe Grewia similis

Mkonge Pyrostria bibracteata

Mkuyu Ficus sycomorus

Mkwesu Tamarindus indica

Mlanga Carpodiptera africana

Mlenda Sesamum angolense

Mmoyomoyo Deinbollia borbonica

Mnamata Pupalia lappacea var.

velutina

Mng’ongo Sclerocarya birrea subsp.

caffra

Mnungu Zanthoxylum chalybeum

var. chalybeum

Mnyembelezuwa Antidesma venosum

Mnywanywa Xylotheca tettensis var.

kirkii

Moza Sterculia quinqueloba

Mpilipili Sorindeia

madagascariensis

Mpingi Ximenia americana

Mpiwipwi Lannea schweinfurthii var.

stuhlmannii

Mpombo Sesamum angolense

Msada Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Mseka Xylotheca tettensis var.

kirkii

Msekaseka Xylotheca tettensis var.

kirkii

Msekwasekwa Xylotheca tettensis var.

kirkii

Msofu Uvaria acuminata

Msofu Uvaria lucida subsp.

lucida

Mswere Grewia bicolor

Mtalala Uapaca sansibarica

Mtalala mwekundu Uapaca nitida

Mtalala mweupe Syzygium cordatum

Mtawa Flacourtia indica

Mtonga Strychnos spinosa subsp.

lokua

Mtopetope Annona senegalensis

Mtunda Manilkara sansibarensis

Muhingi Ximenia americana

Muhingi Ximenia caffra

Mukambaku Carissa edulis

Myigeya Kigelia africana

Mzarabo Syzygium guineense

Mzati Syzygium cordatum

Mzati Syzygium sclerophyllum

Mzukizuki. Carpolobia goetzii

Ndiga Dioscorea cochlaeri-

apiculata

Ndiga Dioscorea odoratissima

Ndiga Dioscorea quartiniana var.

quartiniana

Nyakahamba Balanites wilsoniana

Nyembelezuwa Antidesma venosum

Popoma Balanites wilsoniana

Topetope Annona senegalensis

Zigua

Bwache Amaranthus spinosus

Chambula Sorindeia

madagascariensis

Chantende Pistia stratiotes

Danga-danga Portulaca oleracea

Funfu Celosia schweinfurthiana

Gole Adenia racemosa

Ikongo Tribulus terrestris

Kalonge Dracaena mannii

Kibwando Corchorus fascicularis

Kirumbu Ormocarpum kirkii

Kisogo Ormocarpum kirkii

Kisogo Rourea orientalis

Kiumbu Ormocarpum kirkii

Mamata Pupalia lappacea var.

velutina

Mbigili Oxygonum sinuatum

Mboza Sterculia africana

Mbungo Saba comorensis

Mdudu Thylachium africanum

Mdulu Englerophytum natalense

Mfulwe Acalypha ornata

Mfune Sterculia appendiculata

Mfuru Vitex ferruginea

Mgagawe Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

Mgama Mimusops kummel

Mgambo Mimusops bagshawei

Mgambo Mimusops kummel

Mgeja Dalbergia nitidula

Mgobe Vitex doniana

Mgobe Vitex ferruginea

Mgobe Vitex mombassae

LOCAL NAMES

Mgobe Vitex payos var. payos

Mgola Flacourtia indica

Mgolimazi Trichilia emetica

Mgona-nkolongo Combretum padoides

Mgude Sterculia appendiculata

Mgungankundu Acacia nilotica

Mgwejameno Antidesma venosum

Mhangana Hibiscus diversifolius

Mharata-nyani Sterculia appendiculata

Mhelahela Psorospermum febrifugum

Mhembeti Sterculia quinqueloba

Mhingi Ximenia caffra

Mhugu Uapaca nitida

Mhukwi Diospyros mespiliformis

Mhumba Senna singueana

Mhungu Uapaca kirkiana

Mkalakala Carissa tetramera

Mkarato Dovyalis xanthocarpa

Mkonde Myrianthus arboreus

Mkonde Myrianthus holstii

Mkonga Balanites rotundifolia

Mkonko Hyphaene compressa

Mkonko Hyphaene coriacea

Mkulwe Diospyros mespiliformis

Mkulwi Diospyros mespiliformis

Mkumbaku Carissa bispinosa

Mkundi Parkia filicoidea

Mkwakwa Strychnos innocua

Mkwakwa Strychnos spinosa subsp.

lokua

Mkwanga Zanha africana

Mkwazu Tamarindus indica

Mkwingwina Sorindeia

madagascariensis

Mmoyomoyo Deinbollia borbonica

Mmoyomoyo

Deinbollia kilimandscharica var.

kilimandscharica

Mnenge Pappea capensis

Mng’ongo Sclerocarya birrea subsp.

caffra

Mnyembeuwe Erythrococca kirkii

Mnyohoyo Synsepalum ceraciferum

Mnyohoyo Synsepalum msolo

Monko-ya-nyika Trichilia emetica

Mpafu Canarium

madagascariense

Msambia Synsepalum msolo

Msambu-mzazi Allanblackia stuhlmanii

Msegese Piliostigma thonningii

Msezi Manilkara sulcata

Msezi-mbago Manilkara sulcata

Mshaa Rubus rigidus

Mshofu Annona stenophylla

Mshofu Uvaria acuminata

Mshofu Uvaria lucida subsp.

lucida

Msindo Acalypha ornata

Msofu Uvaria acuminata

Msofu-simba Uvaria kirkii

Msosokolwe Triumfetta cordifolia var.

tomentosa

Msumbu-bwiti Allanblackia stuhlmanii

Msumbu-bwiti Allanblackia ulugurensis

Msungu Acokanthera oppositifolia

Msungwi Sorindeia

madagascariensis

Mswaki Salvadora persica

Mtabwe Ensete ventricosum

Mtomoko Annona senegalensis

Mtonga Strychnos innocua

Mtonkwe Annona senegalensis

Mtundwi Ximenia americana

Mtundwi Ximenia caffra

Mtwatwa Ricinodendron heudelotii

subsp. africanum

Mugobe Vitex ferruginea

Mula Parinari excelsa

Mumbu Lannea fulva

Mumbu Lannea schweinfurthii var.

stuhlmannii

Muungu-goma Zanthoxylum chalybeum

var. chalybeum

Muvenge Syzygium guineense

Muwambangoma Balanites aegyptiaca

Muwenge Syzygium guineense

Mvilu Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Mviru Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Mviru-mbago Vangueria apiculata

Mviu Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Mvungwe Kigelia africana

Mvuti Lippia kituiensis

Mwali Bombax rhodognaphalon

var. tomentosum

Mwanga Tacca leontopetaloides

Mwevumbulo Opilia amentacea

Mweza Bridelia micrantha

Mwiza Bridelia micrantha

Ndiga Dioscorea cochlaeri-

apiculata

Ndiga Dioscorea dumetorum

Ndiga Dioscorea odoratissima

LOCAL NAMES

Zigua (contd)

Ndiga Dioscorea quartiniana var.

quartiniana

Ndiga Dioscorea schimperiana

Njujui Solanum anguivii

Njujui Solanum schumannianum

Nkongo Commelina imberbis

Nkongo Commelina latifolia

Nkunde Vigna pubescens

Nywanywa Rumex abyssinicus

Nywanywa Rumex usambarensis

Pupu Laportea ovalifolia

Samaka Aframomum

angustifolium

Tambuu Piper guineense

Tambwe Ensete ventricosum

Tikini Asystasia gangetica

Tikini Asystasia mysorensis

Tongotongo Cyphostemma njegerre

Tunguru Aframomum albiflorum

Ukakaka Rubia cordifolia

Utorojo Landolphia kirkii

Zinza

Bwara Acacia senegal

Kehwa Hygrophila auriculata

Mawezi Commiphora africana

Mbamba mzumera Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

Mchindu Phoenix reclinata

Mgango Canthium burttii

Mgege Syzygium guineense

Mgege Syzygium owariense

Mgongo Psydrax parviflora subsp.

rubrocostata

Mhendambogo Uapaca nitida

Mhondobogo Lannea humilis

Mhunda Vitex fischeri

Mkakata Vitex mombassae

Mkarati Synsepalum brevipes

Mkarati Synsepalum msolo

Mkomakoma Grewia bicolor

Mkomambuzi Psydrax parviflora subsp.

rubrocostata

Mkome Strychnos innocua

Mkonyo Annona senegalensis

Mkorogomwa Sterculia africana

Mkoroto Dovyalis abyssinica

Mkoroto Dovyalis macrocalyx

Mkot Acacia senegal

Mkwata Strychnos innocua

Mkwata mzumula Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

Mnyabwita Vangueria infausta subsp.

rotundata

Mnyamendi Lannea schweinfurthii var.

stuhlmannii

Mnyamenzi Lannea humilis

Mribwampara Lannea schweinfurthii var.

stuhlmannii

Mruguhu Balanites aegyptiaca

Msamiko Bridelia micrantha

Msangura Syzygium guineense

Msaro Lepisanthes senegalensis

Mseka Ximenia caffra

Msense Rhus natalensis

Mshangule Psydrax parviflora subsp.

rubrocostata

Msindaga Piliostigma thonningii

Msisa Tamarindus indica

Msuguswa Oncoba spinosa

Msungu Acokanthera schimperi

Msungusu Flacourtia indica

Msungwa Vitex mombassae

Mtandaruka Trichilia emetica

Mtombofa Vitex payos var. payos

Mtukizai Eugenia capensis subsp.

nyassensis

Mubungu Saba comorensis

Mugomba Pseudospondias

microcarpa

Mugusugusu Uapaca sansibarica

Muharangundo Rothmannia engleriana

Muhembeti Sterculia quinqueloba

Muhondobogo Lannea schweinfurthii var.

stuhlmannii

Mukwatanzumula Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata

Muliwa-mpamgo Pappea capensis

Munazi Parinari curatellifolia

subsp. curatellifolia

Munyabitwa Multidentia crassa

Murangalala Lannea fulva

Museno Cordia monoica

Muvuru Vitex doniana

Mzeze Syzygium cordatum

Mzingute Kigelia africana

Omubungo Saba comorensis

Ruhanya Dracaena mannii

Sagwia Sterculia africana

THE SPECIES

PART II

THE SPECIES

Abutilon angulatum Malvaceae

Indigenous

LOCAL NAMES: Bondei: Fyofyokoe; Hehe: Nyalufungulo, Nyamabumu; Sambaa:

Fiefie, Fyefye.

DESCRIPTION: A woody herb to 1.5 m, young stems purple-red-grey-green becoming

brown, tough and sometimes 3-angled with age, the branches very spreading,

semi-erect. LEAVES: Oval to heart shaped, grey-green and hairy both sides,

paler below, to 14 cm x 12 cm but lowest leaves up to 15 cm across, the edge

irregularly shallow toothed. FLOWERS: Bright orange-yellow, from a long

open flower head, many flowers on jointed stalks from very reduced upper

leaves, each flower to 8 cm across, the 5 lobes joined at the base, maroon at the

centre, central stigma and stamens yellow, the sepals form a green furry cup

with 5 short triangular lobes. FRUIT: A yellow hairy cylinder about 15 mm

across with very many papery dark brown fruit sections containing seed

(mericarps) held in the calyx.

COLOGY: The species grows in a variety of habitats. Common in disturbed ground,

open or closed woodland, riverine forest or grassland, 100–2,700 m.

DISTRIBUTION: In Tanzania the species is found in many areas, e.g. Tanga, Kili-

manjaro, Iringa and Singida. It is also reported from other countries of East-

ern, Central and Southern Africa.

SES:

Food:

Young leaves and flowers are used as a vegetable. Leaves and flowers are

cooked, edible oil or pounded groundnuts added and then eaten with ugali

or rice. The Hehe only use the flowers after drying and in a mixture with

other dry vegetables.

Medicinal: Roots are boiled and the liquid drunk twice a day to treat cough. It

can also be used to ease labour pains.

Commercial: Marketed.

Other: The plant is used as an ornamental, fibre from stem bark is used as

string and the flowers are a source of bee forage.

EASON: Collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Stored after drying in the sun and usually mixed with other dry vegeta-

bles.

MANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not cultivated or protected by local people,

but can easily be propagated from seed.

TATUS: Common within the area of distribution.

EMARKS: The species is an invasive weed and is only eaten by the Hehe.

THE SPECIES

Abutilon angulatum Malvaceae

Papery fruit sections

(mericarps)

THE SPECIES

Abutilon longicuspe Malvaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Hehe: Nyamabumu.

ESCRIPTION: A perennial shrub 1.5–5 m, the stems with dense grey hairs. LEAVES:

Simple, almost circular, stalked, up to 20 cm long x 18 cm across, the tip

long pointed, the base heart shaped, edge round or sharp toothed, the lower

leaf covered with star-shaped hairs so feels softly velvety. FLOWERS: Large,

terminal, pyramid-like heads of flowers appear with very many stalked flow-

ers, each 2.5 cm across, pale blue-mauve-white with a darker centre, 5

asymmetric petals about 1 cm long surround the central stamen column which

has a wide base and downward-directed simple hairs. Flower stalks are

jointed just below the flowers which usually only open in the late afternoon.

FRUIT: A short cylinder or round disc of 12–25 rather loose dry carpels,

each with 1–3 seeds without a stiff hairy point.

COLOGY: Frequently found in woodland, forests and grasslands, often in second-

ary, riverine and valley-bottom vegetation.

DISTRIBUTION: It grows in all parts of Tanzania, e.g. found around Lushoto, Kili-

manjaro, Arusha, Sumbawanga and Iringa. Found in many parts of East Af-

rica; north to Eritrea and Sudan.

SES:

Food:

Flowers are used as a vegetable. They are chopped, cleaned and cooked.

Pounded groundnuts, onions and tomatoes are added and then it is eaten

with ugali or rice.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: Ornamental, fodder and a source of bee forage. The stem fibre is used

locally for string.

EASON: Collected during the rainy season, usually from January to May.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not cultivated or protected by local people,

but can be propagated by seed.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: The species is an invasive weed.

THE SPECIES

Abutilon longicuspe Malvaceae

Fruiting heads

(mericarps)

THE SPECIES

Abutilon mauritianum Malvaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Arusha: Oldadai; Barabaig: Udageshade; Bondei: Fyofyokoe;

English: Old man’s gold, Poor man’s gold; Hehe: Nyamabumu; Iraqw: Dawo;

Maasai: Oldadai; Rangi: Mutende; Sambaa: Fiefie, Fyefye; Swahili: Mbiha,

Mjamanda.

ESCRIPTION: A woody herb or shrubby perennial, 0.5–2.5 m, covered with fine

grey hairs, some short, some long and spreading. LEAVES: Wide-oval to

18 cm long, tip long pointed, the edge round to sharply toothed, the base

heart shaped to a stalk about as long as the leaf. Smooth above but grey-green

below, with short hairs, very soft to the touch. Straight bristles (stipules) at the

base of the stalk. FLOWERS: Bright yellow, solitary on long stalks beside

leaves, petals to 14 mm long, the 5 sepals tubular at the base but their lobes

longer than the tube. FRUIT: Black and round, about 3 cm across, with 20

or more hairy spreading black carpels, each 13 mm long, with a spiky point

on the outer rim.

COLOGY: Found at forest edges, in wooded grasslands, coastal bushland or thick-

ets on coral outcrops, 0–2,000 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania, e.g. on Zanzibar and around Tanga,

Lushoto, Moshi, Arusha, Iringa, Bukoba and Mwanza. Also found in Malawi,

Mozambique, Uganda and Kenya, north to Ethiopia and into West Africa.

SES:

Food:

Leaves and flowers are eaten as a vegetable (only flowers among the Hehe).

Tender leaves and flowers are cooked, edible oil, groundnut paste or coconut

milk added and then served with ugali or rice.

Medicinal:

– Leaves are crushed and the infusion used as treatment for diarrhoea.

– Roots and bark are boiled and the liquid drunk to treat diarrhoea, stomach-

ache, coughs and colds.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: Ornamental, fodder and a source of bee forage. Fibre from the stem

bark is used for string.

EASON: Leaves and flowers are collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected only from the wild, but can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Common.

EMARKS: The species is a notorious weed.

THE SPECIES

Abutilon mauritianum Malvaceae

Fruiting head

(mericarps)

THE SPECIES

Acacia nilotica Mimosaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Arusha: Olkloriti; English: Babul, Egyptian thorn, Gum arabic

tree, Scented-pod acacia, Gogo: Mfuko, Mfuku, Mufuku; Gorowa: Baryomodi;

Hehe: Muwulagavega; Iraqw: Baryomodi, Kantzi, Tsagayand; Kuria:

Michame; Maasai: Olkiroriti; Mbugwe: Barabonyoda; Ngindo: Kinjacha;

Nyamwezi: Mdubilo, Mgunga; Nyaturu: Muhinko; Pare: Mzameli; Rangi:

Kihungawisu, Kihungawiswa, Kijame, Mgunga, Mhungawiswa, Muhunga;

Sambaa: Mgelegele, Muela; Sandawi: Manange; Sukuma: Mdubilo; Swahili:

Mgunga; Zigua: Mgungankundu.

ESCRIPTION: Usually a small tree to 6 m. Often branched from the base, crown

rounded. BARK: Brown-black, rough, fissured, young shoots red-brown, hairy.

THORNS: Greyish, to 10 cm, straight, usually shorter. LEAVES: Com-

pound grey-green, new growth in dry season, 2–11 pinnate with few to many

leaflets, small glands visible along leaf stalks. FLOWERS: Fragrant, round

heads, bright yellow. FRUIT: Straight or curved pods, 17 cm long, to 2 cm

wide.

COLOGY: Common in arid and semi-arid areas of Africa. It grows on a variety of

soils from coastal sandy ones to black cotton, 0–1,800 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in many areas of Tanzania, e.g. in Dodoma, Shinyanga, Iringa

and Arusha. Also found in Sudan, Ethiopia southwards to South Africa, An-

gola, Namibia and also in India.

SES:

Food:

– The inner bark (phloem strands) and the thick fruit pulp are boiled in water,

sugar added and then drunk as tea (Maasai).

– The bark is cooked with meat soup and eaten in order to strengthen the

body and as a stimulant (Maasai).

Medicinal:

– Inner bark is chewed and the resulting juice is swallowed to treat sore throat

and coughs.

– Leaves boiled in tea or coffee taken without sugar and milk as a treatment

for chest pains and pneumonia.

– Boiled roots are used to treat indigestion or other stomach troubles. Bark

and roots are boiled with any soup and drunk to treat anaemia, STDs,

asthma, pneumonia and as an aphrodisiac (Maasai, Gogo, Nyamwezi).

Commercial: The bark is sold in local markets.

Other: The wood is hard and used for timber, poles, fuelwood, pestles, tool

handles, toothbrushes and carvings. The plant is also used as an avenue

tree and for live fence, as a source of bee forage, nitrogen fixation, shelterbelts,

shade, soil conservation, tannin, dye and gum.

THE SPECIES

Acacia nilotica (contd) Mimosaceae

SEASON: Bark and fruit collected during the dry season, i.e. April–July.

TORAGE: Fruit and bark can be stored for several months.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not cultivated, but can easily be propagated

by seed.

STATUS: Common.

EMARKS: This species is very variable with several subspecies and varieties. Four

subspecies are known from Tanzania: subsp. indica found in the Shinyanga,

Mwanza and Mara Regions, subsp. kraussiana, found in Dodoma, Rukwa and

Ruvuma Regions, subsp. leiocarpa found in Tanga and Morogoro Regions, and

subsp. subalata found in most parts of Tanzania.

Pods of three subspecies

Subsp. indica

Subsp. leiocarpa

Thorns

Subsp. subalata

THE SPECIES

Acacia senegal Mimosaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Barabaig: Yudek; Bena: Ki’tononganga; Digo: Kikwata; English:

Gum arabic tree, Sudan gum arabic, Three-thorned acacia; Gogo: Mzasa;

Iraqw: Yudek; Maasai: Enderkesi, Interkes (plural), Olbida, Olderkesi,

Olmunishui; Ngindo: Kiluma, Kiruma; Nyamwezi: Katahila, Katatula, Katita,

Mgwatu; Nyaturu: Mukhubo; Rangi: Muhunga; Sukuma: Igwata, Mkwata;

Swahili: Kikwata, Mgunga; Zinza: Bwara, Mkot.

ESCRIPTION: A shrub or tree to 12 m, with a rounded crown and many low branches

before maturity. BARK: Waxy, smooth, then peeling yellow and papery from

red-brown stem underneath. A sticky yellow resin flows from cuts in the

bark. Thorns in threes, the central one hooked downwards, the lateral

ones curved up; brown to black. LEAVES: Bipinnate, usually hairy, only

3–6 pairs of leaflets, on a stalk to 7 cm, leaflets grey-green, small and narrow.

FLOWERS: Creamy spikes, one or more, 2–8 cm long, fragrant, usually de-

velop before the rainy season; buds red. FRUIT: Pods, variable, thin and flat,

pointed at both ends, oblong, about 10 cm long to 3 cm across, soft, grey-

yellow becoming papery brown, veins clear, with 3–6 flat seeds.

COLOGY: It is commonly found in wooded grassland, deciduous bushland and dry

scrub with scattered trees in medium-altitude areas, up to 1,900 m; rainfall

500–1,000 mm. It grows on a wide range of soils, but most often on black-cotton

soil.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in dry areas of Africa. In Tanzania it is found, for example, in

Dodoma, Iringa, Kilimanjaro and Arusha Regions.

SES:

Food:

The resin of the tree is collected and eaten daily during famine periods and

in emergency. It has a bitter taste.

Medicinal: The stem or root bark is boiled and the liquid is used for treatment

of diarrhoea, STDs and stomach disorders (Maasai).

Other: Poles used for construction and the wood produces excellent charcoal.

The leaves are used for fodder. Bark is boiled to produce a thick black dye

which is smeared on mats to make them waterproof. Fibres from the bark

are used for string. The tree is also useful for firewood and is a source of bee

forage.

EASON: The resin is collected during the dry season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Gum arabic is collected from the wild and the tree is not protected or

cultivated by the local people. Only maturing trees from 5 to 15 years old pro-

THE SPECIES

duce reasonable amounts of resin. Gum production is excellent when growing

in poor soils. Can be intercropped (e.g. with sorghum, millet). The plant can

easily be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: Gum arabic is a valuable additive in the food and pharmaceutical indus-

tries. This is the Acacia species that produces the best-quality gum. Two varie-

ties occur in Tanzania: var. kerensis which occurs in Kilimanjaro, Shinyanga,

Mwanza and Mara Regions, and var. senegal which occurs in most regions of

Tanzania.

Acacia senegal (contd) Mimosaceae

Fruit pods

Thorns

THE SPECIES

Acalypha bipartita Euphorbiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Ndyavadimi; Hehe: Nyautitili; Sambaa: Mfulwe; Swahili:

Mhacha.

DESCRIPTION: A scrambling hairy shrub which may become a dense bush to 3 m,

the stems more or less 4-sided. LEAVES: Numerous, thin and oval to 10

cm long, tip pointed, edge toothed, on a stalk usually to 4 cm. A pair of

thread-like stipules can be seen beside younger leaves. FLOWERS: Spikes to

14 cm long next to leaves. Tiny green-white male flowers clustered along the

end of the spike. A characteristic pair of semi-circular leafy bracts about 1

cm across grows on stalks about 3 cm from the base of the spike. These bracts

contain 1–3 female flowers. FRUIT: Small fruit capsules develop within the

bracts and contain a few rounded grey-brown seeds, 2 mm in diameter.

COLOGY: Forest undergrowth, forest edges and associated grasslands and

bushlands, sometimes riverine, extending into wooded grassland but mainly in

grazing areas. Thrives in valleys with adequate moisture. It occurs naturally

in medium-altitude areas, 1,000–1,500 m; rainfall 900–1,500 mm. It prefers

yellowish sandy loams but tolerates a wide range of soil types.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in Shinyanga, Mwanza and Mara Regions of Tanzania. Wide-

spread in the eastern part of the Congo basin and in Rwanda, Burundi and

Sudan.

Uses:

Food:

Young leaves and shoots have a bland or slightly bitter taste and are eaten

as a vegetable. The leaves are collected, chopped and added to cooking beans

or peas and the mixture served with a staple (Hehe, Sambaa).

Other: The stems are used to make baskets for winnowing and in construction

of granaries. The plant is also used for fodder.

Commercial: Sometimes sold in local markets (Sambaa).

EASON: Tender leaves are usually collected during the rainy season. In riverine

locations it is collected year round.

STORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by the local

people.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: The species is an invasive weed.

THE SPECIES

Acalypha bipartita Euphorbiaceae

Bracts and

female flowers

Fruit capsules within

bracts

Male flowers

THE SPECIES

Acalypha fruticosa Euphorbiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Ndyavadimi; Hehe: Nyautitili; Maasai: Shaiti; Nyamwezi:

Mkima-dimbya; Sambaa: Mfulwe; Swahili: Mhacha.

ESCRIPTION: An erect stiff shrub, sometimes hairy, to 3.5 m, often with yellow

resinous glands on the lower leaf surface which give off an unpleasant

smell when crushed (no stinging hairs or white latex). LEAVES: Simple,

ovate and alternate, 1–8 cm long, the tip long or short but usually blunt, edges

round toothed, grey-green below, the leaf stalk shorter than the blade (strap-

shaped stipules). FLOWERS: Tiny male and female flowers, yellow-green

to reddish, in hanging catkin-like spikes, usually male above and female

below, or on separate plants, small sepals but an enlarged bract surrounds

the female flowers and fruit, 4 mm x 8 mm, wavy edged and ribbed. FRUIT:

Tiny capsules, 2–3 mm, contain the seed.

COLOGY: Common in moist spots within dry areas, e.g. at woodland edges in low-

land as an undershrub, in bushland thicket near the coast and on overgrazed

land, 0–1,800 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in many parts of Tanzania and widely distributed in East

Africa.

SES:

Food: The leaves are collected, chopped and boiled and served with a staple or

mixed with other vegetables such as beans or peas. Sometimes pounded

simsim or groundnuts are added to make it more palatable.

Medicinal: The roots are washed and boiled and the liquid is drunk to treat

cholera, STDs, stomach problems and whooping cough (Sambaa). The liq-

uid can also be applied to eyes to treat conjunctivitis. A decoction of roots is

taken hot to relieve fever and colds. Stems and roots used to treat toothache.

Other: Stems and leaves are used as fodder. Stems are also used for weaving

granaries and local doors or as withies.

EASON: Leaves are collected during the rainy season between December and May.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by the local

people.

STATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: A very variable species with at least three varieties in Tanzania: var.

fruticosa found in lake, northern and coastal parts of Tanzania; var. villosa

found around Lake Victoria, Tanga, Mbeya and on Zanzibar; and var.

eglandulosa which is common in most parts of Tanzania except central and

southern parts. An invasive weed in some parts of Tanzania.

THE SPECIES

Acalypha fruticosa Euphorbiaceae

Male flower spikes

THE SPECIES

Acalypha ornata Euphorbiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Mfulwe; Sambaa: Mfulwe, Msindo; Sukuma: Huhunga;

Swahili: Mchacha; Tongwe: Lushete; Zigua: Mfulwe, Msindo.

DESCRIPTION: A woody herb or large well-branched shrub, 1–3 m. LEAVES: Rather

thin, oval, 5–16 cm long, tip long pointed, edges well toothed, a few hairs along

midrib and veins, 5-nerved from the base which is rounded to a stalk 3–10 cm.

Long and thin stipule pairs fall early. FLOWERS: Male and female separate.

Female flowers red, in solitary terminal spikes, 17 cm long x 3 cm across

when full grown, 1–3 flowers grow within a large decorative bract. Male

spikes to 15 cm, single, growing beside leaves, covered with tiny cream

flowers in very small bracts. FRUIT: A small 3-lobed capsule, 3–4 mm, split-

ting to set free rounded purple-grey seeds.

COLOGY: A small plant of forest undergrowth and edges, wooded grassland, de-

ciduous woodland and thicket, often riverine or in rocky places, secondary

regrowth and disturbed land, 0–2,000 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Throughout Tanzania; Uganda, Kenya; from Nigeria eastwards to

Eritrea and southwards to Angola; Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

USES:

Food:

Leaves are collected, chopped and cooked. Pounded groundnuts or coconut

milk, onions and tomatoes can be added to improve the taste. It is eaten with

ugali or rice.

Medicinal: The plant is used to treat leprosy: Roots are boiled and the liquid

drunk twice a day and some of the liquid is used for a steam bath (Sukuma,

Nyamwezi). The liquid of boiled roots can also be drunk to relieve menstrual

pain.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used as an ornamental and for fodder.

EASON: The leaves are collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild not cultivated, but can be propagated by

seed and cuttings.

TATUS: Common.

EMARKS: Three varieties occur in Tanzania: var. aspera, var. pubescens and var.

sicular which are all common in most parts of the country.

THE SPECIES

Acalypha ornata Euphorbiaceae

Enlarged male flower

and flower head

Enlarged female flower

Branch with mature

female flowers

Enlar ged fruit and seed

THE SPECIES

Acanthopale laxiflora Acanthaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Hehe: Nyakibiki, Nyakigoma.

ESCRIPTION: A weak shrub, small tree, sometimes a climber, to 2 m, with woody

stems. LEAVES: Opposite, long-oval, over 10 cm long, narrowing gradu-

ally at both tip and base into a short stalk about 2.5 cm, almost winged, leaf

edge slightly toothed, dark green above, paler below with hairs on the clear

veins. FLOWERS: Like white bells, about 3 cm long, streaked pink-purple in

the throat, which is also hairy, the 5 triangular lobes shorter than the tube; 4

fertile stamens within, the flowers in dense axillary spikes at each node sur-

rounded by narrow green sepals and bracts. FRUIT: A club-shaped cap-

sule, not flattened, pale brown, about 1.5 cm, smooth, several bunched to-

gether in axils, containing 4 seeds.

COLOGY: An undershrub, locally common in wet, mountain rainforests up to 2,100

m. Also found on farmland.

DISTRIBUTION: Recorded in forests of the Uluguru mountains, around Arusha, West

Usambara mountains and Mount Kilimanjaro. Also in Kibale Forest in Uganda.

SES:

Food:

Leaves are used as a vegetable. Young leaves are chopped, washed and

cooked, coconut milk or groundnut paste added and then eaten with ugali

or rice.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is a favourite ornamental and also used for fodder. The fruit

are eaten by monkeys.

EASON: Leaves are collected from December to April, i.e. during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not cultivated or protected by local people,

but can be propagated by seed.

STATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: A notorious weed.

THE SPECIES

Acanthopale laxiflora Acanthaceae

Fruit capsule

Flowering stem

THE SPECIES

Achyranthes aspera Amaranthaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Lingulukila, Ngulukila; English: Rough chaff flower;

Gorowa: Kwantzi, Nunuhay; Hehe: Lugeni; Luguru: Bwasi; Maasai:

Olerubat; Matengo: Lindiame; Rangi: Ihata, Ikulula, Mbarahasha; Swahili:

Pulule; Tongwe: Ngwena ja kulutambo.

ESCRIPTION: A much-branched herb or weak-stemmed shrub to 2 m, annual or

perennial, the stem erect or scrambling. LEAVES: Simple and opposite, usu-

ally long-oval up to 15 cm, very variable, often softly hairy on one or both

surfaces. FLOWERS: All year round, only 3–7 mm, borne singly along termi-

nal or axillary spikes which appear silvery green to pink-red when open;

no petals but shiny sepals and bracteoles. Older flowers and fruit point

downwards. FRUIT: Small capsules, containing only a few seeds, and sur-

rounding bracteoles with shiny edges catch on to animal hair and human

clothing—a dispersal mechanism.

COLOGY: It is mainly found in secondary regrowth, at forest edges, in thickets,

open grassland, along forest trails, seasonal swamps and dried-up watercourses,

up to 3,000 m; rainfall 700–1,300 mm.

ISTRIBUTION: Found practically throughout the tropical and warmer regions of

the world, and widespread in Tanzania.

SES:

Food:

The leaves are collected, chopped and boiled and may be served with a staple

or mixed with other vegetables to add bulk. Pounded simsim, groundnuts or

sunflower are added in order to make it more palatable.

Medicinal:

– Leaves are pounded, soaked in water, boiled and the liquid drunk to treat

STDs and also to treat colds in children (Sambaa).

– Roots are boiled in water, put in a pot and used for washing the face or the

whole body.

– Fresh roots can be chewed during business negotiations (Gogo). A root de-

coction is used to treat constipation in children. The pounded root is steeped

in hot water and the extract drunk cold as a treatment for STDs as well as

an antidote for a variety of ingested poisons.

– Leaf powder (with salt) is applied on cuts made with a razor blade in cases of

ankle sprain. It is also a remedy for headache (sniffed or put in tea and

drunk) and sniffed to stop nosebleed. The ash of burned leaves is applied on

boils.

Other: The plant is used as fodder for goats and rabbits and is a source of bee

forage.

THE SPECIES

SEASON: The leaves are mainly collected during the rainy season but also during

the dry season from wetlands (e.g. floodplains).

STORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by the local

people.

STATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: This species is an indicator of soil fertility in areas where it grows, but

also an invasive weed in parts of Tanzania.

Achyranthes aspera (contd) Amaranthaceae

THE SPECIES

Acokanthera oppositifolia Apocynaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Arrow-poison tree; Sambaa: Mbuswa; Swahili: Msunguti;

Zigua: Msungu.

DESCRIPTION: An attractive evergreen small tree or multi-stemmed shrub, occasion-

ally long and climbing, 2–7 m, all parts producing white latex when cut. BARK:

Grey-brown, becoming deeply grooved with age. LEAVES: Dark shiny green

above, paler below, opposite, tough and thickly leathery, margin rolled un-

der, oval to oblong, 5–10 cm, with a sharp almost spiny point at the tip,

base wide or rounded to a thick, wrinkled stalk to 1 cm, young leaves reddish.

FLOWERS: Attractive and sweet scented, white inside, pink outside, in dense

bunches beside leaves, the tube about 1 cm, the 5 lobes overlapping left

and shorter than the tube. FRUIT: Ovoid berry red-purple and fleshy

up to 3 cm long, edible when really ripe, sweet but bitter, poisonous when

young.

COLOGY: Occurs in a variety of habitats: rocky hillsides, coastal bush, open wood-

land, termite mounds, dry forest and forest margins, riverine forest or wood-

land, 1,500–2,100 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in East Africa and south to South Africa. Found in Tan-

zania, e.g. in Tanga, Arusha, Iringa and Kilimanjaro Regions.

USES:

Food:

The pulp of ripe fruit is sweet and edible. Unripe fruit, leaves, bark and roots

are all poisonous.

Other: Roots, bark and leaves are cooked until a thick extract is obtained which

is used as an arrow poison, which must be handled with care. It is commonly

used by the Pare, Iraqw, Zigua, Kaguru and Sandawi. Usually produced by

the Pare, Sandawi and Kaguru and sold to other tribes.

EASON: Fruit are collected during April–July.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not cultivated; can be propagated from seed.

TATUS: Common.

EMARKS: A tree that is known to be poisonous.

THE SPECIES

Acokanthera oppositifolia Apocynaceae

Flower head

Fruit

THE SPECIES

Acokanthera schimperi Apocynaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Arrow-poison plant, Common poison bush, Poison-arrow

tree; Hehe: Msungu; Maasai: Olmorijoi; Nyamwezi: Msongu; Sambaa:

Mshunguti, Msungu; Swahili: Mchungu, Msunguti; Zinza: Msungu.

ESCRIPTION: A shrub or small rounded tree, with short bole to 5 m, sometimes

10 m. BARK: Dark brown, fissured with age, young twigs flattened. LEAVES:

Opposite, dark shiny green above, stiff and leathery, oval to rounded, 4–7

cm, the tip pointed and sharp. FLOWERS: Appearing with early rains, in

dense, fragrant clusters, almost stalkless, white-pink, tubular. FRUIT: Oval

berries to 2 cm, red, becoming purple when ripe, edible.

COLOGY: A tree of dry woodland, thickets and grasslands, often at the margin of

dry forest or forest remnants. Prefers rich well-drained forest soil, but also grows

on black-cotton and poor soils in dry sites, 1,100–2,300 m.

ISTRIBUTION: In Tanzania it is found, e.g. in Iringa, Mbeya, Mara, Arusha and

Morogoro Regions. Also known from Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Zambia, Mo-

zambique and southwards to South Africa.

SES:

Food:

Ripe fresh fruit are edible and have a rather sweetish bitter taste.

Medicinal: Roots are used as medicine for STDs. Roots are pounded and soaked

in hot water and the infusion is drunk, but only in very small quantities as

the plant is poisonous.

Other: Roots, bark and leaves are used for making arrow poison by boiling

them into a thick paste and smearing the extract on spears and arrows. The

makers of arrow poison include Pare, Sambaa, Zigua and Nguu, but the

poison is occasionally sold to other tribes.

EASON: Fruit are collected from April to July.

TORAGE: Fruit are not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not cultivated; can be propagated from seed.

TATUS: Common in its area of distribution.

EMARKS: Known as a poisonous tree.

THE SPECIES

Acokanthera schimperi Apocynaceae

Flower heads

Fruit

THE SPECIES

Adansonia digitata Bombacaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Arusha: Masera, Mesera; Bondei: Mbuyu; Chagga: Mkuu; Digo:

Mbuyu; English: Baobab; Gogo: Mpela; Gorowa: Dakaumo; Hehe: Mkondo;

Iraqw: Gendaryandi; Luguru: Mpela; Maasai: Olmesera; Mbugwe: Muwiye,

Mwiwiye, Mwuwiye; Nyamwezi: Mpela; Nyasa: Mabuyu, Malembe; Pare:

Mramba; Rangi: Mwiwi; Sambaa: Tebwe; Sandawi: Gele; Sangu: Mkondo;

Sukuma: Mwandu, Ngwandu, Ng’wandu; Swahili: Mbuyu, Mkuu hafungwa,

Mkuu hapingwa, Muuyu.

ESCRIPTION: A large deciduous tree, the trunk diameter may reach 8 m and the

tree is often 20 m high. Bare up to 9 months, the stiff bare branches resemble

roots (“upside-down tree”). The trunk is sometimes hollow. LEAVES: Mature

leaves with up to 9 lobes arranged like the fingers of a hand. FLOWERS:

Large and white opening at night; the unpleasant-smelling nectar attracts

pollinating fruit bats. FRUIT: Hairy, yellow-brown, very big capsules hang

on long stalks on the bare tree. About 100 seeds lie in white-pink dry pulp.

COLOGY: Coastal woodlands, bushlands and wooded grasslands, sometimes a

riverine tree. Grows in well-drained soils, 0–1,300 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania and generally in tropical Africa south of

the Sahara and also in Madagascar.

SES:

Food:

– The leaves and/or flowers are collected, chopped and boiled, sometimes

pounded groundnuts added, and served with a staple.

– The fruit pulp, which is obtained after breaking the hard shell, is eaten as a

snack by herdsmen and many people in Tanzania.

– The fruit pulp is soaked in water, pounded, filtered and cooked with por-

ridge (Gogo). The filtered juice of the fruit pulp, with some sugar added, can

be drunk hot or cold. Or the sweetened juice is frozen in small polythene

packets and used as an iced lollipop where refrigeration is available.

– Seeds are cooked and eaten.whole or roasted, pounded and added to

vegetables, like sunflower seed.

Medicinal:

– Leaves are pounded, soaked in water and the infusion used as a remedy for

stomach-ache, fever, diarrhoea, filariasis, intestinal worms, wounds, asthma,

eye and ear diseases, and also as an expectorant, astringent and diuretic.

– The bark is used for treating menstrual problems, diarrhoea, scorpion bites,

coughs, diabetes, anaemia; also an antidote to a variety of ingested poisons.

– Roots are used to treat fatigue.

Commercial: The fruit and fruit pulp are sold in township markets.

Other: The bark is used for fibre and the tree for shade and planted as an

THE SPECIES

avenue. The fibre is used for making ropes, baskets, carpets, mats, strings for

musical instruments, cloths, hats, snares and brooms. The bark produces a red

dye. The tree is used for fodder and religious ceremonies and is a source of bee

forage. Oil from seeds can be used in making soap, and the fruit cases as ladles,

ashtrays and earrings. The trunks are used for making canoes.

EASON: Leaves are collected during the rains and the fruit during the dry season.

TORAGE: Leaves are not stored, while the fruit or fruit pulp can be stored for about

a year.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and often protected by local people in home-

steads and farms. Easily propagated from seeds.

TATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: One of the largest and longest living trees in the world (about 3,000

years). One large baobab was used by the German colonial administration as a

lock-up cell for prisoners in Kondoa, Tanzania.

Adansonia digitata (contd) Bombacaceae

Flower

Fruit capsule

Leafy shoot

THE SPECIES

Adenia gummifera Passifloraceae

Indigenous

LOCAL NAMES: Digo: Munua-nyoka; English: Monkey rope, Wild grenadilla;

Luguru: Gole; Sambaa: Kungu-mti, Lukenda; Swahili: Mandali, Mkengeti.

ESCRIPTION: A woody climber and scrambler, 5–30 cm, with a tuberous stem

up to 10 cm thick at the base, hairless, the grey-green stems sometimes pow-

dery white. LEAVES: Alternate, simple or shallowly 3-lobed, rounded to

kidney shaped, with 3 clear veins from the base, 2.5–11 cm long, lobes often

rounded, tip notched, edge wavy, on stalks to 11 cm. FLOWERS: Axillary on

loose drooping heads, male and female on separate plants, green-yellow,

the slender stalks to 12 cm ending in weak tendrils, sterile tendrils to 20

cm, tip split into 3. Male flowers bell-like with 5 narrow petal lobes, up to 35,

female flowers 2–6, similar but shorter petals. FRUIT: 1–4 together, oval, hang-

ing down, yellow-orange-brown to 4 cm long, somewhat 3-angled, the

shell leathery to woody, smooth, pitted or rough, containing 30–40 flat white

pitted seeds.

COLOGY: Dry and moist forest, and bushland; 1–500 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Most lowland parts of Tanzania; Uganda, Kenya; from southern

Ethiopia to South Africa, west to the Congo basin and also on the Seychelles.

SES:

Food:

Leaves are used as a vegetable. Young leaves are chopped and cooked alone

or mixed with other vegetables such as amaranth or spinach. Coconut juice

or pounded groundnuts may be added and the dish eaten with ugali or rice.

Medicinal: A decoction of the roots is taken as a remedy for malaria, diar-

rhoea, leprosy and STDs. The decoction is also taken with milk to treat

anaemia. Roots are chewed to treat snakebite.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The whole plant is pounded and used as fish poison. Burning roots are

used to smoke out bees. The stem, when heated, produces an exudate which

is used to glue knives on to their handles.

EASON: Leaves are collected during the rainy season, December–April.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by the local

people. The plant can be propagated by seed and cuttings.

STATUS: Common.

EMARKS: A. racemosa (Gogo: Gole; Hehe: Nyang’oleko; Zigua: Gole) has similar

uses to A. gummifera. Its tubers are used as a remedy for chickenpox. The

flexible stems are used as string. The plant is also used for fodder and orna-

mental purposes.

THE SPECIES

Adenia gummifera Passifloraceae

A. racemosa

Tendril

Buds

Fruit capsules

Flowers

Fruit capsule

Tendril

Flower cluster on stem

THE SPECIES

Aerva lanata Amaranthaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Tebwa; Digo: Chivwa kuku, Tebwe; Hehe: Kaganza ka

mwana, Nyakaganza ka mwana; Maasai: Ediati-ormwaate, Eleturot;

Nyamwezi: Kaganza ka mwana; Sambaa: Kidelele, Paramoyo, Tebwa;

Sukuma: Luwecha; Swahili: Kinonga.

ESCRIPTION: A trailing or erect woody herb or shrub to 1 m with rather few branches,

quite distinctive due to the white woolly hairs. LEAVES: Usually alternate,

sometimes opposite on the lower part of the stem, stalkless, spoon shaped,

long-oval or wider at the tip, covered with grey-white hairs, to 2 cm long.

FLOWERS: Tiny yellow-white flowers grow on axillary, stalkless spikes,

usually 1–3 together, only 8 mm long, the tiny flowers have no sepals but stiff

papery sepals, bracts have dense woolly hairs. FRUIT: Tiny, 1-seeded cap-

sules.

COLOGY: This plant grows in a great variety of habitats, from cultivated and dis-

turbed ground to open woodland, bushland, grassland, swamp and forest edges,

on open lava screes, boulder-covered hillsides or coastal sands, 0–2,000 m.

ISTRIBUTION: A common plant in all parts of Tanzania, from the coast to the high-

lands. Widespread in the drier parts of both tropics and subtropics, common

throughout eastern Africa; extending from Sierra Leone to Egypt, south to South

Africa, eastwards through the Arabian peninsular into Asia, the Philippines

and New Guinea.

SES:

Food:

Leaves are eaten as a vegetable. They are collected, chopped and boiled

alone or mixed with other vegetables such as mnavu (Solanum nigrum),

peas or mgagani (Cleome gynandra) and served with a staple such as ugali,

rice or bananas. Sometimes tomatoes, onions, coconut juice or pounded nuts

of Telfairia pedata (oyster nut; Swahili: kweme) or groundnut paste may be

added to make the sauce more palatable (Bondei, Digo, Hehe, Sambaa, Zigua).

Medicinal:

– The leaves are crushed and the juice is applied to sore eyes.

– Roots are used for treating snakebite and constipation (Bondei, Zigua).

Commercial: Usually not marketed.

Other: Used for ornamental purposes and fodder.

EASON: Leaves are collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by local peo-

ple. Propagated easily from seed.

THE SPECIES

STATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: A notorious weed on farms.

Aerva lanata (contd) Amaranthaceae

Flowering shoot

Enlarged flower head

THE SPECIES

Aerva leucura Amaranthaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bende: Kilindila, Mfungu, Mwenza, Mweza; Hehe: Lifweni;

Nyamwezi: Kilindila; Swahili: Kinonga.

ESCRIPTION: A perennial woolly herb, often woody at the base, erect or low and

spreading, slender stem simple or branched, all densely white hairy. LEAVES:

Alternate, long-oval, varying in size along the stem, up to 10 cm x 3 cm,

narrowed at the base to a stalk about 1 cm, all more or less hairy. FLOWERS:

Tiny, without petals, of several types, petals about 2 mm, flowers in sepa-

rated groups along the spikes, mostly about 4 cm long, both terminal

and beside leaves, all white hairy and stalked. FRUIT: Round, flattened

capsules containing shiny black seeds.

COLOGY: Found in a variety of habitats from disturbed ground to deciduous

bushland, woodland and forest edges, rocky places, open streamsides, 600–1,700

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania, e.g. Tabora, Rukwa and Dodoma Regions.

Also found in Uganda, Kenya; south to Namibia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Botswana

and South Africa.

SES:

Food:

Leaves are used as a vegetable. Young leaves are chopped and boiled alone

or mixed with other vegetables such as peas or pumpkin leaves and served

with ugali. Sometimes tomatoes, onions, edible oil or a paste of groundnuts

are added in order to improve palatability. These leaves are only used sea-

sonally before cultivated vegetables are in good supply on farms. It is a sub-

stitute for other preferred vegetables.

Medicinal:

– Roots are used for treating snakebite.

– Pounded leaves are mixed with porridge and drunk in order to curtail lacta-

tion in women who have lost their babies (Bende, Nyamwezi).

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used as an ornamental and for fodder.

EASON: Leaves are collected at the beginning of the rainy season (Bende,

Nyamwezi).

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by local peo-

ple.

STATUS: Very common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: An invasive weed in areas where it occurs.

THE SPECIES

Aerva leucura Amaranthaceae

One male flower enlarged

One female flower enlarged

Flowering stem

100

THE SPECIES

Aframomum angustifolium Zingiberaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Msamaka; English: Wild cardamom; Ha: Itungulu; Haya:

Omushaasha; Hehe: Mtweve; Luguru: Gobeni; Matengo: Matungula;

Sambaa: Msamaka; Swahili: Mtuguu, Mtunguru, Tungulu, Tunguru; Zigua:

Samaka.

ESCRIPTION: A herb, 1.5–4 m, growing in dense stands, with erect leafy shoots,

the “stem” consisting of long tubular, sheathing leaf bases. Leaves arise in two

ranks from underground rhizomes (often fleshy, aromatic, or rich in oils; one

member of the family is ginger). In this species the rhizomes, up to 15 mm

across, are extensive and covered with stiff red-brown scales to 7 cm long.

LEAVES: Leaf blades slightly pleated, about 40 cm x 12 cm, tip suddenly

narrowed to a point, leaf base slightly asymmetrical. A small outgrowth where

the blade grows out from the leaf sheath, the ligule, is tough, rounded, 4–10

mm long. FLOWERS: Thick flower stalks, 30–70 cm, emerge from the

base of the leafy shoot; 4–10 large flowers grow in a head of overlapping

bracts about 6 cm across. The unusual flowers are very striking, red-maroon-

yellow-pink. A boat-shaped calyx, 3–4 cm, splits on one side. Each flower has

a hooded or concave red-maroon petal, 4 cm x 2 cm, 2 narrow pale pink lateral

petals, and a yellow-orange lower lip (labellum), about 7 cm long x 4 cm

across, which curls under. A central filament ends in a triangular lobe and

bears 2 anther lobes of the single fertile stamen. A thin style passes between

these lobes to end in a trumpet-shaped stigma. FRUIT: A tough orange-red-

black berry with a smooth fleshy wall, round to oval, 7–9 cm including the

calyx beak, 3 cm across. Oval dark brown seeds, hard and smooth, surrounded

by masses of white sweet-acid pulp inside 3 membranes.

COLOGY: Common in moist areas in forest undergrowth, in riverine vegetation or

at swamp edges. Does well at medium altitudes, 1,000–1,700 m; rainfall 900–

2,200 mm. Adaptable to various soil types, but does well in sandy clay loams

and sandy loams.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in tropical Africa from the Sudan south to Mozambique

and Madagascar. In Tanzania it is common in moist areas at suitable altitudes.

SES:

Food:

The ripe fruit are collected and the sugary pulp eaten frequently as a snack.

It is sweet and liked by all, but particularly by children. Crushed seeds are

used as a substitute for pepper (Zigua).

Medicinal: Crushed seeds are boiled with roots of Piper capensis and drunk as

an aphrodisiac (Sambaa, Bondei).

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: Ornamental.

101

THE SPECIES

SEASON: Ripens throughout the year since it grows in habitats that are always

damp.

TORAGE: The fruit is not stored, but dried seeds can be stored for medicinal use.

ANAGEMENT: Usually collected from the wild and not protected or planted by the

local people. Easily propagated from seed.

TATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

Aframomum angustifolium (contd) Zingiberaceae

Ligule

Fruit head

Fruit section

Complex flower

102

THE SPECIES

REMARKS: Drainage of swamps and cutting of riverine forests is a threat to this

plant’s survival. The dense stands formed by the plant are a favoured habitat

for snakes, especially green mamba. Two other related species are used in the

same way as A. angustifolium. These species are:

1. A. albiflorum (Bondei: Msamaka; English: Wild cardamom; Sambaa:

Msamaka; Swahili: Mtuguu, Mtunguru, Tunguru; Zigua: Tunguru) is a herb

1.5–4 m high which is widespread in Tanzania, and also from Sudan south-

wards to Mozambique and Madagascar.

2. A. mala, with the same local names as A. albiflorum, is a herb 2–4 m tall. This

species is also widespread in Tanzania. It is also found in Kenya and south-

western Sudan.

Aframomum angustifolium (contd) Zingiberaceae

103

THE SPECIES

Aframomum angustifolium (contd) Zingiberaceae

A. mala

Leafy shoot and flowers

Fruit capsules

104

THE SPECIES

Allanblackia stuhlmannii Clusiaceae (Guttiferae)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Mkanye; Luguru: Mkani; Sambaa: Mkanyi, Msambu;

Swahili: Mkange, Mkimbo, Msambu, Mshambo, Mwaka; Zigua: Msumbu-

bwiti, Msambu-mzazi.

ESCRIPTION: A tall evergreen tree, 12–36 m, with a clear bole to 9 m, the droop-

ing branches hollow and ridged. BARK: Sometimes buttressed, dark grey,

smooth or flaking, a yellow resinous sap if cut. LEAVES: Opposite, dark

green and stiff, long oval, 5–19 cm, the tip pointed, the midrib yellow be-

low, base narrowed to a stalk about 1.5 cm. FLOWERS: Male and female

flowers on different trees, both large and fleshy, solitary, beside leaves, on

stalks 6–8 cm, male flowers numerous and clustered at the ends of branches,

with 5 unequal pale yellow-red sepals, the outer ones rounded, the 5 rounded

petals cream with red at the base, or all red, about 3 cm long, red stamens

are in 5 fleshy unequal bundles about 2 cm long, yellow anthers lie on the

inner surface. Female flowers have larger petals, a few reduced stamens, 5

green disc glands, a conical ovary bearing a stigma to 9 mm across. FRUIT:

Variable but large red-brown berries hanging down, 16–34 cm x 15–17

cm across, oblong to cone-like, the 5 fruit sections contain 12–28 seeds each.

Seeds about 4 cm long with a tough skin, angled with a fleshy aril on one

corner. One fruit can weigh 2.5–5.8 kg.

COLOGY: Rainforests, 500–1,200 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Endemic to Tanzania. Known only from the forests of East and West

Usambara, Nguru and Uluguru Mountains and in the eastern parts of Iringa

Region.

SES:

Food:

Seeds are pounded and cooked to extract an edible fat. Seeds of mature fruit

are extracted from the pulp, dried in the sun, pounded and boiled. After

cooling, the fat floats to the top, is skimmed off, heated and filtered. This

white fat is used for cooking.

Medicinal:

– Fresh leaves are chewed to treat coughs.

– The oil from seeds is drunk in small quantities twice a day to treat rheuma-

tism.

– Leaves and roots are used as medicine to treat impotence—they are boiled,

honey added and the liquid drunk 3 times a day in a teacup.

Commercial: Seeds are sold in markets for oil making.

Other: The wood is used for furniture, firewood, boxes, crates, beehives and

water containers. The bark and fruit produce a yellow dye. The tree is used

for shade, as an ornamental and is a source of bee forage.

105

THE SPECIES

SEASON: Seeds are collected from December to February.

TORAGE: Dried seeds can be stored for several months.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not cultivated but usually retained in farm-

land. It can be propagated using fresh seed.

TATUS: Common within its area of distribution. Endemic to Tanzania.

Allanblackia stuhlmannii (contd) Clusiaceae

Branch with female flowers

Leaves with seed section

Fruit and seeds

Enlarged female flower

Tree in fruit

106

THE SPECIES

Allanblackia ulugurensis Clusiaceae (Guttiferae)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Mkanye; Luguru: Mkani; Sambaa: Mkanyi, Msambu;

Swahili: Mkange, Mkimbo, Msambu, Mshambo, Mwaka; Zigua: Msumbu-

bwiti.

ESCRIPTION: A tall evergreen tree, rarely shrubby, 15–30 m with spreading open

branches, the trunk clear to 7.5 m. BARK: Trunk slightly buttressed, brown-

grey to red-brown, finely squared, a sticky yellow sap if cut. LEAVES: Simple,

opposite, deep green, curved upwards from the midrib but edges curled

under, long oblong 8–19 cm long, very leathery, vein network clear on both

sides when dry, stalk barely 1 cm. FLOWERS: Male and female trees, the fleshy

flowers clustered at ends of branchlets, beside leaves but on short stalks up

to 1 cm long. Male flowers red-pink, the 5 sepals red-brown, longer outer ones

1.2 cm across, 5 petals pink-red-purple, about 1 cm diameter, the 5 sta-

men bundles split, to 1.4 cm long. FRUIT: Yellow-brown (smaller than A.

stuhlmannii), conical oblong, 10–13 cm long, containing fewer seeds than

A. stuhlmannii, each to 3.6 cm long, irregular in shape, a fleshy aril on one

angle.

COLOGY: Occurs in the rainforests of Tanzania, 700–2,100 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Endemic to the Uluguru and Nguru Mountains, in Morogoro Region

and in Ruaha Valley in Iringa Region.

USES:

Food:

Seeds produce edible fat. They are dried in the sun, pounded, boiled and

cooled. The suspended fat is skimmed off, heated, filtered and used in cooking.

Commercial: Seeds are sold in markets.

Other: The wood is used for furniture, crates, boxes and beehives. The tree is

used for shade and as an ornamental. The sap produced from the fruit and

bark provides a yellow dye.

EASON: Seeds can be collected during December–February and June–August.

TORAGE: Dried seeds can be stored for several months.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not cultivated or protected by the local peo-

ple, but can be propagated using seed.

TATUS: Endemic to Tanzania. Common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: Not easily accessible due to the steep slopes of the mountains where it

grows.

107

THE SPECIES

Allanblackia ulugurensis Clusiaceae (Guttiferae)

Branch with young fruit

Section of fruit and seeds

Section of male flower enlarged

108

THE SPECIES

Aloe nutii Aloaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Chagga: Iratune; Gogo: Itembwe, Kidingulio; Hehe:

Litembwetembwe; Luguru: Kongokowe; Nyamwezi: Itembwe; Rangi: Ikori,

Ikuri; Sandawi: /a./da; Swahili: Kisimamleo, Mshubili, Msubili.

ESCRIPTION: A herb with a short thick stem, to 20 cm long and 3 cm thick, often

shortly branched with up to 3 whorls of leaves at the base. LEAVES: Erect,

bright green and grass-like, to 50 cm, 8 cm across at the base, somewhat fleshy,

the upper surface concave, white spots below, the leaf margins densely

crowded with tiny white teeth about 1 mm long, more at the base. FLOW-

ERS: Arise from an axillary spike up to 75 cm, large cream-orange-brown

bracts wrap around the stem, well spaced below, overlapping at the tip, flow-

ers arise beside each bract on a stalk to 3 cm, corolla tubular, orange-red-

pink, all lobes green tipped, to 4 cm long, lobes rounded, a somewhat 3-

sided cylinder. FRUIT: An ovoid capsule, pale brown, 2.5 cm long contain-

ing many dark brown seeds.

COLOGY: Mountain grasslands, often on rocky slopes, 1,600–2,700 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Western Tanzania and in the Southern Highlands; Malawi, Zam-

bia, the southern part of the Congo basin and eastern Angola.

USES:

Food: Flowers are used as a vegetable. Mature flowers are washed and cooked

alone or with other vegetables such as peas or pumpkin leaves. Then either

cooking oil, coconut milk or groundnut paste is added and the dish eaten

with ugali or rice.

Medicinal:

– The juice of leaves is rubbed on the skin to treat ringworm.

– Roots are used as treatment for kidney problems and as an aphrodisiac.

Roots are boiled, honey added and the decoction drunk.

– A decoction from the leaves is drunk to treat diarrhoea. Leaves are also used

for heart pains and to treat spleen problems.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used as an indoor or outdoor ornamental.

EASON: Flowers are collected at the end of rainy season, April–June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by the local

people, but can be propagated by seed and suckers.

STATUS: Common.

EMARKS: Several other Aloe species are edible and are used as ornamentals, in

herbal medicine and for demarcation of farm boundaries in semi-arid areas.

109

THE SPECIES

Aloe nutii Aloaceae

Habit

Flowering spike

T ubular flowers

Bracts

Fruit capsule

110

THE SPECIES

Alsodeiopsis schumannii Icacinaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Fipa: Mbululu; Hehe: Muvalambe, Muvulambe; Sambaa:

Mmavimavi; Munozambeyu, Muozambeyu, Swahili: Mkaranga mwitu.

DESCRIPTION: An evergreen shrub or tree to 12 m. The first-year branches are cov-

ered with golden brown hairs. LEAVES: Long-oval, 5–12 cm, the tip long-

pointed, 6–8 pairs lateral veins clear on both sides, membranous, dark green

above but yellow-green on the underside, which is covered with many

flat, golden-brown hairs, base narrowed or rounded to a short stalk. FLOW-

ERS: Beside leaves in loose, branched heads, the stalks densely hairy, 5

narrow sepals united at the base, 5 free stamens on very short filaments, 5

free narrow petals, yellow, a style to 4 mm from the conical hairy ovary.

FRUIT: An oblong drupe, orange-red when ripe, about 2 cm long, the tip

beaked, somewhat hairy, a stalk reaching 2 cm. A woody stone inside has

longitudinal ridges.

COLOGY: Lowland and upland rainforest, 900–2,000 m.

ISTRIBUTION: In Tanzania this species is found in East Usambara, the Uluguru

Mountains and the Southern Highlands.

USES:

Food:

The fruit are edible and much liked by children. Ripe fruit are picked from

the tree and the juicy and sweet pulpy seeds eaten.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is hard and is used for building poles, firewood, charcoal,

pestles, carvings, tool handles and spoons. The tree is suitable for shade and

as an ornamental.

EASON: Fruit in May–July.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by the local

people. It can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Endemic to Tanzania and common within its area of distribution.

111

THE SPECIES

Alsodeiopsis schumannii Icacinaceae

Enlarged flower

Flowering branch

Enlarged fruit

112

THE SPECIES

Alternanthera tenella var. bettzickiana Amaranthaceae

Brazil

OCAL NAMES: English: Border plant, Joseph’s coat; Swahili: Mchicha, Mchicha

maua.

DESCRIPTION: An erect, bushy or prostrate perennial, 4–45 cm, the stems red

and knobbly, swollen at each node. Stems and young branches with some

long hairs disappearing with maturity, these stems more or less 4-angled, later

cylindrical, woody at the base. LEAVES: Opposite, entire, long-oval but vari-

able, the tip pointed, narrowed to the base with a slender indistinct stalk,

often white hairy, to 5 cm long, wider at the tip. In var. aureus, brightly

coloured, variegated pink-red or yellow-green. FLOWERS: Round clus-

ters of white flowers with silver-white bracts beside leaves, only 6 mm

across, no petals but 5 stiff, papery sepals to 4 mm, sharply pointed, edges

toothed. FRUIT: Thin-walled capsules which do not open if dried, 1 seeded,

remaining in the flowers, all falling together.

COLOGY: In cultivated areas and at roadsides.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in Mwanza, Shinyanga, Tanga and Dar es Salaam Regions;

Zanzibar and Pemba Islands. Also recorded in Uganda, Rwanda and Mozam-

bique.

SES:

Food:

Tender leaves and shoots are cooked alone or mixed with other vegetables

such as cowpeas or amaranth, coconut milk added and served with a staple—

rice or ugali (Zanzibar).

Medicinal: The cooked vegetable is given to anaemic children in order to im-

prove their health (Zanzibar).

Commercial: Sold in local markets.

Other: The plant is a popular ornamental and border plant in gardens and

also used as an ornamental indoors. A good fodder for goats and rabbits.

EASON: Leaves and shoots are collected during the rainy season, December–June.

TORAGE: Dried leaves can be stored for several months.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, but also planted using seeds, suckers and

cuttings.

TATUS: Common in abandoned farms in areas where it occurs.

EMARKS: This plant is widely used as an ornamental because of its variegated

leaves.

113

THE SPECIES

Alternanthera tenella var. bettzickiana Amaranthaceae

Flower or fruit clusters

Swollen stems

114

THE SPECIES

Amaranthus spinosus Amaranthaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Buuza, Bwache, Bwache-katonge; Chagga: Kiyana kya

mburu; English: Careless weed, Prickly amaranth, Spiny amaranth; Hehe:

Chamilang’uku, Lichamilang’uku, Lifweni; Nyamwezi: Kapokole, Ntungu;

Pare: Buruja; Sambaa: Bwache; Swahili: Mchicha; Zigua: Bwache.

ESCRIPTION: An annual herb, usually erect, with few branches, to 1.5 m, easily

recognized by the pairs of green spines at the nodes, slender or stout, to 2.5

cm long, occurring especially beside the lower leaves. Stems red-purple-green,

usually stout and hairless. LEAVES: Long and oval, 2–12 cm, on long stalks

up to 9 cm, sometimes longer than the blade, the tip slightly notched with

a sharp colourless tip in the notch, lower surface often darker with some

hairs. FLOWERS: Green, in cylindrical spikes at the end of stems and

branches, to 15 cm long x 1 cm wide, upper parts of the spikes all male. The

lower part of the plant has axillary flower clusters about 1 cm across, all

females. Membranous bracts are wide. FRUIT: A small capsule 1.5 mm across,

breaking open at the base to set free dark brown shiny seeds.

COLOGY: Common on waste ground, roadsides and cultivated land; also occurring

in open grassland, swamps and along rivers. It does well in secondary regrowth

after cultivation, around cattle enclosures and on urban refuse dumps, 0–1,800

m; rainfall 800–1,300 mm. Prefers red sandy clay loams and yellowish sandy

loams.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread throughout the warm tropical and subtropical regions

of the world. Common in all parts of Tanzania.

SES:

Food:

– The young shoots and leaves are chopped and fried or steamed with coconut

milk or groundnut paste and served as a vegetable. It tastes bitter and is

usually eaten in small quantities as a substitute when no other vegetables

are available. It is also used in emergency and famine situations.

– Young shoots and leaves also used as a substitute for bicarbonate for soft-

ening vegetables.

– Dried leaves are cooked, groundnut paste or coconut milk added and served

with a staple.

Commercial: The young shoots and leaves are sold in local markets.

Other: Leaves are used for fodder.

EASON: Shoots and leaves are collected during the early rains before the plants

mature and develop spines.

STORAGE: Leaves are dried for storage before or after being steamed.

115

THE SPECIES

MANAGEMENT: Usually collected from the wild but sometimes protected by local peo-

ple around their homesteads.

STATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: It is easily collected while young, i.e. before development of the spines.

An important source of vitamins (e.g. A and C). Also rich in minerals, e.g. iron

and calcium.

Amaranthus spinosus (contd) Amaranthaceae

Spines

Flower spikes

116

THE SPECIES

Ampelocissus africana Vitaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Sambaa: Ghoe; Swahili: Mzabibu mwitu.

ESCRIPTION: A shrubby climber or extensive liana reaching 9 m. Stems often

red, striped, hairy at first. A thick root can reach 1 m and looks like cassava

with a red outer skin. LEAVES: Large, alternate, simple, oval to rounded,

entire or 3–5 lobed, 5–20 cm long, base heart shaped, edge often softly

toothed, soft brown and hairy when young, stalk 3–15 cm. Leafy stipules to

3 mm, soon fall. FLOWERS: Small, in dense round heads, 5–10 cm across,

the loosely branched stalks to 6 cm. Branched tendrils grow out of these

stalks. Each flower has 5 petals, 1.5 mm, green-yellow to red-brown. FRUIT:

Round berries about 1 cm in diameter, red-blue-purple-black, on red

stalks, containing many shiny brown seeds in green pulp.

COLOGY: Seasonally wet grasslands, deciduous thickets, wooded grassland, wood-

land, riverine forests, old termite mounds and rocky hillsides; also found as a

remnant of cleared natural vegetation; 0–2,200 m; rainfall 900–1,500 mm.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread all over Tanzania. In the rest of Africa found from West

Africa to the Sudan and south to southern Africa, including Kenya and Uganda.

SES:

Food:

– The fruit are collected when ripe and the pulp is eaten. It tastes sweet and is

rich in vitamin C.

Medicinal: Roots are pounded, soaked in water, boiled and drunk to treat in-

testinal worms and leprosy (Sambaa).

Other: The plant can be used for ornamental purposes.

EASON: Fruit are collected between April and August.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local peo-

ple. It can be propagated by seed and cuttings.

STATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

Remarks: Two varieties occur in Tanzania: var. africana which occurs in all parts

of mainland Tanzania, Zanzibar and Pemba Islands, and var. migeodii in Lindi

Region.

117

THE SPECIES

Ampelocissus africana Vitaceae

Ripe fruit

Dense flower heads in bud

Fruiting branch

118

THE SPECIES

Ancylobotrys petersiana Apocynaceae

(Landolphia petersiana)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Digo: Mbooya, Vibooya, Vitoria; Swahili: Mtoria, Mtowe; Sambaa:

Vitoria.

ESCRIPTION: An evergreen liana, climbing with tendrils, 2–12 m. Tendrils are

present at forks of branches (flower branches in origin which turn into woody

hooks). LEAVES: Opposite, simple, long-oval, 5–12 cm to 6 cm wide, tip pointed

or blunt, the base rounded to a short stalk, some hairs which disappear with

age. Secondary veins 5–20 mm apart. FLOWERS: A long terminal branched

head bears fragrant cream-white-yellow tubular flowers, “star-like”, about 3

cm across, the 5 narrow pointed lobes 1–2 cm, fringed with hairs. Flowers

open in the evening. A green calyx with brown hairs surrounds the pink tubu-

lar bud. FRUIT: Rounded to pear shaped, grey-green at first, ripening dull

yellow-orange, 3–5 cm across with short soft hairs, containing about 12

seeds, each 1 cm covered in sticky edible pulp.

COLOGY: A climber found in open bushland or woodland, coastal evergreen forest,

dry forest, 0–400 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Most lowland parts of Tanzania. Common in Pemba, Zanzibar and

Mafia Islands. Also found in Kenya and Somalia, and south to Mozambique,

Zambia and South Africa.

SES:

Food:

– The pulp of ripe fruit is edible. They are collected from the vines or fresh

fallen fruit are collected from the ground and eaten raw. The pulp is ob-

tained by cutting the fruit in half. The juicy pulp has a sour taste and only

moderate amounts are eaten (Bondei, Zigua, Zaramo).

– The pulp of the fruit is soaked in water, squeezed and filtered. The juice is

then sweetened with sugar and drunk after being cooled. Alternatively, the

sweetened juice may be packed in small polythene packets, frozen and eaten

as an iced lollipop (Bondei, Zaramo).

Commercial: Fruit are sold in most rural and urban markets for juice making

(Bondei, Digo, Zaramo).

Other: The stem produces white latex, which is tapped and used for making

balls and birdlime (Bondei, Digo). The stems are flexible and used for ropes.

EASON: Fruit are collected in April and June and again in November and Decem-

ber (Coastal areas).

STORAGE: Fruit can only be stored for about two weeks.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, but often protected by local people in

119

THE SPECIES

steads and fields. It regenerates easily from root suckers. Can also be propagated

from seeds.

STATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

Ancylobotrys petersiana (contd) Apocynaceae

Fruit

Opposite leaves

Tendril

Flower branches become

woody hooks

120

THE SPECIES

homeAnisophyllea boehmii Rhizophoraceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Ha: Umushindwi; Nyamwezi: Mnemvi, Mnyemvi; Sukuma:

Mshindwi; Tongwe: Lusindwi.

ESCRIPTION: An untidy evergreen or semi-evergreen tree up to 16 m tall with a

short, usually crooked, bole. The erect branches form a rounded heavy crown.

BARK: Rich red-brown at first, becoming grey-brown, irregularly cracked and

flaky. LEAVES: Thin and leathery, finely hairy both sides, oval, to 9 cm long

with very distinctive venation. FLOWERS: Cream coloured and small

on woolly stalks, 4–11 cm. FRUIT: Plum-like, to 3.5 cm long, turning shiny

red-yellow when ripe in March–July. The edible pale yellow flesh is tasty

and contains a hard stone around a single seed.

COLOGY: Occurs in miombo woodland and wooded grassland, 900–1,100 m; rain-

fall 800–1,000 mm. Grows in various soil types from sandy loams to sandy clay

loams. Thrives in sandy soils.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in north-west and south-west Tanzania; e.g. in Mwanza,

Tabora and Rukwa Regions. Also occurs in the Congo basin and Zambia.

SES:

Food:

The ripe fruit are edible. They are picked from the tree or fresh ones col-

lected from the ground and the pulp is eaten while rejecting the seeds. They

are sweet and are eaten by herdsmen and farmers to quench thirst and

hunger (Bondei, Nyamwezi, Sukuma).

Commercial: Fruit are sometimes sold in local markets.

Other: The wood is used for firewood, tool handles and poles. The tree is also

useful for shade and as an ornamental. Ash from the wood is used as an

insecticide for stalk borers.

EASON: Fruit are collected between April and June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by the local

people. Seeds germinate with difficulty, but it is easily propagated from root

suckers.

TATUS: Uncommon within its habitat.

121

THE SPECIES

Anisophyllea boehmii Rhizophoraceae

Enlarged flower section

Flowering branch

with young fruit

Seeds

Mature fruit

122

THE SPECIES

Anisophyllea pomifera Rhizophoraceae

Indigenous [Plate 1]

LOCAL NAMES: Ha: Umushindwi; Nyamwezi: Mnemvi, Mnyemvi; Sukuma:

Mshindwi, Nsindwi.

DESCRIPTION: An evergreen shrub or small tree. All young parts with few or many

yellow-brown curly hairs. LEAVES: Simple, opposite, leathery, shiny above

with 2–4 strongly marked pale side veins in parallel to the midrib, dull

with some hairs below, leaves on upper branches oval to 6.5 cm long, narrowed

to a very short stalk. FLOWERS: Small and rounded, along several spikes, 5–

12 cm long, arising beside smaller leaves on lower part of branches, petals

and sepals rather similar, 5 lobed around many stamens, stalks and buds hairy.

FRUIT: A berry about 4 cm long when dry, edible tasty flesh around one

hard stone within.

COLOGY: An associate of Brachystegia–Isoberlinia woodland, 1,200–1,600 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania and in Kigoma Re-

gion. Also found in Zambia and Malawi.

USES:

Food:

– Ripe fruit are edible. The pulp is sweet and eaten fresh.

– Ripe fruit are soaked in warm water, squeezed and filtered. Then sugar is

added to obtain a refreshing drink.

Commercial: Sold in local markets (Ha).

Other: The wood is used for firewood, charcoal, poles, tool handles and wooden

spoons. The leaves are used for enriching the soil. Wood ash is used as white-

wash and as an insecticide for stalk borers.

EASON: The fruit are collected from September to December.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not cultivated but normally retained by farm-

ers in their farms. Seeds germinate with difficulty, but the plant is easily propa-

gated from root suckers.

TATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: A. pomifera is very similar to A. boehmii with the exception of the larger

fruit, which are better liked than those of A. boehmii.

123

THE SPECIES

Anisophyllea pomifera Rhizophoraceae

Fruiting branch

Flowering head

124

THE SPECIES

Annona senegalensis (A. chrysophylla) Annonaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bende: Mfila; Bondei: Mbokwe, Mtonkwe; Chagga: Ichawele,

Mrisirisi, Mtomoko; Digo: Mbokwe; English: Wild custard apple; Ha:

Umukanda; Matengo: Mandopi, Mtopetope; Ndendeule: Mlombelombe,

Mlopelope; Ngindo: Mpunju; Ngoni: Mlombelombe, Mlopelope; Nyamwezi:

Mfila, Mkonola, Mtopetope; Rufiji: Mtopetope; Sambaa: Mbokwe, Mtonkwe;

Swahili: Mchakwe, Mchekwa, Mtomoko mwitu, Mtopetope; Tongwe: Lufila;

Zaramo: Mtopetope, Topetope; Zigua: Mtomoko, Mtonkwe; Zinza: Mkonyo.

ESCRIPTION: A shrubby deciduous tree, usually 2–6 m. Bark grey and smooth,

thick and folded when old, young stems hairy and orange. LEAVES: Oval and

rounded, blue-green, to 18 cm long, hairy below, a peculiar smell when

crushed. FLOWERS: 1–3 small flowers hang down below twigs, yellow-

green, petals and sepals in threes. FRUIT: Rounded, 2–7 cm, smooth with

divisions. Green when unripe, turning orange-yellow when ripe and smell-

ing like pineapple. The sweet pulp surrounding many seeds is edible.

COLOGY: Common in open woodlands and grassland savanna, thickets, at forest

edges and frequent in places subjected to burning. Mainly found at lower and

medium altitudes, 0–1,500 m; rainfall 700–2,000 mm. It grows well in a variety

of soils, mostly as an under-storey shrub. Prefers red sandy loam, but tolerates

a wide range of soil types.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania and in other drier parts of the tropics, Sen-

egal to Cameroon, the Congo basin, Sudan and Kenya and extending to Zim-

babwe and the northern parts of South Africa; also in Madagascar.

SES:

Food:

– The ripe yellow fruit may be harvested from the trees, or more rarely col-

lected from the ground. Eaten immediately after removing the hard coat.

Sometimes green but almost mature fruit are collected and stored for some

days to ripen. It tastes sweet and has a pleasant pineapple-like odour.

Medicinal:

– The bark and the roots are crushed together and applied to snakebite wounds.

– The bark is used against intestinal worms as well as for treatment of dysen-

tery. The bark is also chewed and smeared on fresh wounds.

– Roots are washed, boiled with finger millet flour and used to treat sterility

(Nyamwezi). Roots are also used as a treatment for stomach-ache, flatu-

lence, diarrhoea and colds.

– The gum is applied to cuts and wounds to seal them.

– Fruit are used to treat diarrhoea, dysentery and vomiting.

Commercial: Reportedly sold in local markets.

125

THE SPECIES

Other: The wood is used for firewood, tool handles, and wooden spoons. The

tree is suitable for shade and as an ornamental.

EASON: Fruit are collected from August to December, at the end of late rains.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local peo-

ple. Seeds are difficult to germinate but the tree easily regenerates by coppice

shoots and root suckers.

TATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: This species has a potential for domestication.

Annona senegalensis (contd) Annonaceae

Fruit and section

Fruiting branch

Flowering branch

One flower

126

THE SPECIES

Annona stenophylla Annonaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Nyamwezi: Mfila, Mtopetope; Sambaa: Mshofu; Swahili:

Mtopetope; Zigua: Mshofu.

DESCRIPTION: A low shrub with annual shoots to 1 m arising from under-

ground rhizomes, the stems simple or branched; branchlets red-brown, hairy

at first, sometimes persisting. LEAVES: Alternate, usually very hairy, the

blade 4–18 cm, wide or narrow, often wider towards the tip, which is

usually rounded, the base narrowed or rounded to a short stalk, the blade bright

or blue-green, paler below with dense hairs, marked by green-red-purple

nerves, a dense network of smaller veins above and below. FLOWERS: Usually

solitary, above leaves, hanging down on hairy stalks, 3 small free sepals,

petals fleshy, 3 outer thick petals, concave, rounded, about 1 cm, 3 smaller

inner petals all cream-yellow-brown inside and hairy outside. FRUIT:

Orange-yellow when ripe, 2.5–4.5 cm long on a stalk to 4 cm, the com-

pound fruit contains soft edible pulp full of numerous black, shiny seeds.

COLOGY: Usually found growing in Brachystegia woodland, on sandy or frequently

burnt ground such as Acacia grassland. Also found on sandy, grassy slopes at

the edge of wetlands, 500–1,600 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in western Tanzania, Rukwa, Tabora and Iringa Regions,

the Southern Highlands; also found in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, An-

gola and the Congo basin.

SES:

Food:

– The pulp of ripe fruit is sweet and eaten fresh. It has a pleasant smell and

taste and is much sought after by herdsmen and children.

– Ripe fruit are soaked in water, squeezed and filtered for juice.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: Ornamental and a source of bee forage.

EASON: Ripe fruit are collected from September to January.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not cultivated, but can be propagated by

seed.

TATUS: Common within its habitat.

EMARKS: It resembles A. senegalensis but all parts of the plant are smaller. The

fruit are said to be more tasty than those of A. senegalensis.

127

THE SPECIES

Annona stenophylla Annonaceae

Flower

Fruit

128

THE SPECIES

Antidesma venosum Euphorbiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bende: Msekela, Mselala; Digo: Chikura, Kihuro, Mzangatchango;

English: Tassel berry; Ha: Umuziaziga; Haya: Musivya, Umusivya,

Umutoketoke; Kerewe: Mtokitoki, Ntokitoki; Ngindo: Mkunda hobi;

Nyamwezi: Msekela; Nguu: Mawejameno, Mgwejameno; Rangi: Mudualo;

Rufiji: Mjembajemba; Sukuma: Mgamzabakama, Mugamzabakama; Swahili:

Mbua nono, Mkaracha, Msaga, Msasuzi, Msisimizi, Msuaga, Mtimagoa,

Mwinamia ziwa, Mziwaziwa; Tongwe: Mtimpu, Mtipo; Zaramo:

Mnyembelezuwa, Nyembelezuwa; Zigua: Mgwejameno.

ESCRIPTION: A shrub or small tree to 5 m, occasionally reaching 7 m. BARK: Grey

or grey-brown, smooth to rough and flaky. LEAVES: Oval to elliptic, usually 2–

10 cm, leathery, bright glossy green above, pale green and hairy below,

apex tapering to rounded, base rounded; margin entire, very short stalk. FLOW-

ERS: Male and female trees: male flowers dull yellowish, female reddish

and not so fluffy, in catkin-like spikes up to 8 cm in length, unpleasantly

scented; appear October–January. FRUIT: Small, fleshy, oval, about 6 mm,

white when young, becoming bright red and finally shiny purple-black

when mature (March–May) on long hanging spikes to 12 cm.

COLOGY: Found in miombo woodland, wooded grassland and forest edges, 0–1,200

m; rainfall 700–2,000 mm. Tolerant of various soil types, including sandy soils,

sandy loams, sandy clay loams and red loams.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in all parts of Tanzania. Also from West Africa eastwards to

Ethiopia and southwards to South Africa.

SES:

Food:

The ripe fruit are edible. They are collected from the tree, sorted out in hand-

fuls and chewed. The juice is swallowed and the pulp remnants and seeds

rejected. They are sweetish and usually eaten by children, herdsmen and

farmers in order to quench thirst and hunger (Bondei, Nyamwezi, Zaramo,

Zigua).

Medicinal:

– The leaves and roots are used for treating snakebite, poisoning, abdominal

pains, hookworm and as a business charm (Bondei, Nyamwezi, Sambaa and

Zigua).

– Seeds are steeped in water and drunk to treat liver complaints.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: Wood is used for firewood, tool handles and knife sheaths (scabbards).

The plant is also used for shade, fodder and as an ornamental, and is a

source of bee forage.

129

THE SPECIES

SEASON: Fruit are collected during and after the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by the local

people. Easily propagated by seed, and also produces root suckers.

TATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: Roots are believed to be poisonous (Nyamwezi). An invasive weed in

fallows.

Antidesma venosum (contd) Euphorbiaceae

Fruiting and flowering branch

Leaves

130

THE SPECIES

Asparagus africanus (A. abyssinicus) Asparagaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Nyamwezi: Kasesanhanga, Kasolanhanga; Sandawi: Konkór/

.intsha; Swahili: Mwinika nguu; Tongwe: Lukungwisa.

ESCRIPTION: A scrambling woody shrub growing from a fibrous rootstock from

which shoots arise. Stems smooth or grooved, grey-brown and twisted, larger

stems spiny and branches with tiny bristles. Climbing to 3 m and sometimes

forming low bushes to 1 m. LEAVES: True leaves are small and scale-like with

clusters of leaf-like needles growing from their axils. These cladodes (modi-

fied branches) are straight and cylindrical, about 1 cm long. Recurved

spines have brown structures, “spurs”, beside them. FLOWERS: Small, white–

pale pink, on jointed stalks, in clusters among the cladodes. Flower parts in

threes and spreading. FRUIT: Small green berries, ripen red and fleshy

and contain one seed.

COLOGY: Frequent at forest edges, in bushy wooded areas and grasslands, often

on rocky ground, up to 2,500 m; rainfall 1,000–1,700 mm. Common especially

after burning. Thrives in sandy clay loams.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in Sudan, the Congo basin, Ethiopia, south to Zimbabwe and

Botswana. Occurs in many areas of Tanzania, e.g. Tabora, Dodoma, Kigoma,

Morogoro and Mtwara Regions.

SES:

Food:

– Ripe fruit are collected from the plant in handfuls and the juice sucked out

while the solid part is discarded. Eaten only by children and used especially

in famine periods. It is highly nutritious and therefore important during

such times of famine.

– Young shoots are dug out, washed, peeled and chewed by children and

herdsmen in order to quench thirst and hunger.

Medicinal: Roots are collected, washed, pounded, boiled and the decoction drunk

to treat STDs (Bondei, Nyamwezi, Zigua). Seeds swallowed as a prevention

for eye diseases (Nyamwezi).

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: Used for ornamental purposes and is also a source of bee forage.

EASON: Fruit collected during the dry spells in June–July and December. Shoots

collected during rainy seasons.

STORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local peo-

ple. It can be propagated by seed and root suckers.

STATUS: It is common, especially after bush fires, within its area of distribution.

131

THE SPECIES

REMARKS: Frequently planted as an ornamental. The food uses of this plant are not

known by many people even in areas where it occurs commonly. The young

shoots which grow out of the woody root crown just below the surface of the soil

are eaten (as in the cultivated asparagus species).

Asparagus africanus (contd) Asparagaceae

Recurved spines

Zigzag section of

older twisted stem

Scale (true leaf)

Leaf-like needles

(cladodes), straight or

curved

Flowers

Fruit

132

THE SPECIES

Asparagus flagellaris (A. nudicaulis) Asparagaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Nyamwezi: Kasesanhanga, Kasolanhanga; Sandawi: Konkór/

.intsha; Swahili: Mwinika nguu; Tongwe: Lukungwisa.

ESCRIPTION: An erect or scrambling woody perennial shrub to 1 m, with twisted

branches bearing strong spines, the stems grey-white and hairless.

Branchlets simple but in different planes. LEAVES: Scale-like, leafy needle-

like cladodes (modified branches) grow in clusters along stems, with recurved

spines having white spurs beside them (seen clearly on flowering branches).

Stems densely covered with cladode needles as the 2-cm needles are longer

than the internodes. FLOWERS: Fragrant, white, 4 mm across, on jointed

stalks, 2 or more together on flowering stems, with few or no cladodes, very

attractive in flower. The 6 flower parts persist around the berry. FRUIT: Small

orange berries, round or slightly 3-part, contain 1 seed.

COLOGY: Occurs in wooded grasslands at low and medium altitude, up to 2,100 m;

rainfall 1,000–1,800 mm. Thrives in a variety of soil types.

DISTRIBUTION: From Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia south to Malawi and Mozambique,

including East Africa, Rwanda and parts of the Congo basin. Found in many

areas in Tanzania.

SES:

Food:

The fleshy orange fruit are collected from the plant, the juice sucked out and

the solid part discarded. They have a sweet taste.

Medicinal: The roots are crushed and boiled. The liquid is drunk to treat STDs

(Sambaa).

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: Ornamental.

EASON: Fruit collected during dry spells in June–July and December. Shoots col-

lected during rainy seasons.

STORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local peo-

ple. Can be propagated by seed and root suckers.

STATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

133

THE SPECIES

Fruiting stem

Fruit

Groups of flowers

Recurved spines

Fruit

Asparagus flagellaris (A. nudicaulis) Asparagaceae

134

THE SPECIES

Asystasia gangetica Acanthaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Tikini; Digo: Futsure, Futswe, Tala-kushe; Maasai:

Enkosida, Gosida; Pare: Ikobito; Sambaa: Tikini; Swahili: Mchicha, Mfuchwe,

Mtikini; Tongwe: Katikamonga; Zigua: Tikini.

ESCRIPTION: A trailing perennial herb from a woody rootstock, quite small to over

1 m, often rooting at the nodes, the stems square and often hairy. LEAVES:

Generally oval, to 10 cm long, the base round to heart shaped. FLOW-

ERS: Grow on short stalks from one side of a terminal stalk, each funnel

shaped, 2.5 cm long, mauve-white with purple markings, wrinkled at the

mouth, 2 upper petal lobes and a 3-lobed lower lip. The 5 sepals are 4.5 mm

and there are four 2-celled stamens. Flowers have a short stalk: bracts and

bracteoles narrower than sepals. FRUIT: Hairy capsules to 3 cm, flattened

from side to side, containing 1–4 seeds.

COLOGY: It occurs as a weed in cultivation from low altitudes up to 1,900 m; rain-

fall 1,200–2,100 mm. Also in disturbed soil in forests, e.g. after being dug up by

bush pigs. Tolerates a variety of soils.

ISTRIBUTION: Common in West Africa, the Congo basin, in the Sudan and in East

Africa. Found in many parts of Tanzania including Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Tanga,

Morogoro, Kigoma and Iringa Regions.

SES:

Food:

Leaves and young stems are edible. They are collected, chopped and boiled

with a little potash to tenderize them. Eaten together with the staple food

when more preferred vegetables are not available. Sometimes mixed with

other vegetables such as peas or pumpkin leaves and coconut milk, and

pounded oyster nuts (Telfairia pedata) or groundnuts may be added.

Medicinal: The leaves are collected, washed, pounded and boiled. The decoc-

tion is drunk to eradicate intestinal worms (Bondei, Digo).

Commercial: Sold in local markets.

Other: Ornamental, fodder and a source of bee forage.

EASON: Leaves and young stems are collected in the early rainy season.

TORAGE: The leaves are sometimes dried for storage before or after being steamed

(Zigua, Hehe).

MANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by local peo-

ple. Easily propagated by seed.

STATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: A serious weed.

135

THE SPECIES

Asystasia gangetica Acanthaceae

Flowering shoot

Fruit capsules

136

THE SPECIES

Asystasia mysorensis (A. schimperi) Acanthaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Tikini; Pare: Ikobito; Sambaa: Tikini; Zigua: Tikini.

ESCRIPTION: An erect annual plant, or later scrambling on the ground, shortly

hairy. LEAVES: In opposite pairs, oval, the tip often wider. FLOWERS: In a

short terminal spike, each flower stalkless and almost enclosed in a green

bract. Bracts are well pointed, longer and wider than the 5 sepals. The

tubular white flower, 1.5 cm, has 5 petal lobes, 2 above and 3 below, the lower

centre lobe has green veins, the outer lobes brown ones. The throat may be

green spotted. FRUIT: A capsule about 2 cm long with tiny glands, contain-

ing 1–4 angular or toothed seeds.

COLOGY: Occurs at forest edges and thickets and in secondary regrowth after

cultivation or other disturbance of the soil. Often a weed in arable land or along

paths. Abundant at altitudes up to 2,200 m; rainfall 1,000–2,100 mm. Toler-

ates a wide range of soil types.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in all parts of Tanzania except Mbeya, Iringa and Songea

Regions. Also found in Ethiopia, Somalia, southern Sudan and in the Congo

basin.

SES:

Food:

– Leaves and young shoots are eaten as a vegetable.

– The leaves are collected, boiled alone or mixed with other vegetables such as

cowpeas or mnavu (Solanum nigrum). The leaves can also be mixed with

tomatoes, onions, coconut milk, pounded oyster nuts (Telfairia pedata) or

groundnuts and served with a staple food—ugali, rice, bananas or potatoes

(Bondei, Sambaa, Zigua).

Commercial: Sold locally.

Other: Ornamental and fodder.

EASON: It is mainly collected in the early rainy season since it is one of the first

plants to grow after the start of the rains.

STORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local peo-

ple.

STATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: Regarded as a weed in cultivated areas.

137

THE SPECIES

Asystasia mysorensis (A. schimperi) Acanthaceae

Bracts

Enlar ged fruit capsules and seeds

Flowering shoot

Fruiting shoot

138

THE SPECIES

Azanza garckeana Malvaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Arusha: Emotoo; Bena: Mtowo; Bende: Mtobo; English: Snot ap-

ple, Tree hibiscus; Gogo: Mtoyo; Gorowa: Thogi, Tlaghay; Hehe: Mtowo;

Kimbu: Mutogo; Maasai: Emoloo, Olmatawayu, Olmotoo; Mbugwe: Mutogo;

Ngindo: Mtobo; Nyamwezi: Mtowo; Nyasa: Mtoo; Nyaturu: Mutrogho;

Nyiramba: Mtogho; Pare: Mtakataka; Rangi: Matua, Matwa, Mchagai, Mchai,

Msembere, Mtowo, Mtula, Mtwa, Muchagai, Mutwa; Sandawi: Dong, Xaxabo;

Swahili: Mnduwe, Mwatata; Tongwe: Mtobo.

ESCRIPTION: A deciduous tree, 3–8 m, with rounded crown. BARK: Brown rough,

branchlets have woolly hairs. LEAVES: Simple, alternate, distinctively

rounded, 8 x 12 cm, long stalks, 3–5 lobes, rough hairs above, soft below.

FLOWERS: Large, showy, single, yellow, turning red-orange, petals over-

lap and do not open. FRUIT: Rounded and woody, 2–8 cm, 4–5 parts, yel-

low-brown and hairy, the whole fruit except the seed eaten for the sweet sticky

flesh.

COLOGY: Common from low to higher altitudes as a scattered tree in several types

of woodland; also on termite mounds.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in Africa, from the Sudan to southern Africa. Common all

over Tanzania.

SES:

Food:

– The ripe fruit are collected and the thick carpels separated from the fruit

and eaten. They are sweet but glutinous and are much favoured by herds-

men (Gogo, Hehe, Nyamwezi, Nyiramba, Nyaturu).

– The dry fruit may be cooked and eaten in large quantities during famine

and peak farming periods (Gogo, Hehe).

Medicinal: Roots are boiled and drunk to treat infertility and constipation.

Commercial: It is sold in local markets in many towns in Tanzania (Bena,

Gogo, Hehe, Nyamwezi).

Other: The wood is used for timber, firewood, spoons, poles, carvings, combs,

bows and tool handles. The tree is also used as an ornamental (Gogo, Hehe,

Nyamwezi, Zigua).

EASON: Fruit are collected during the dry season, usually from May to November.

TORAGE: The fruit are boiled with a little salt, dried in the sun and stored for about

four months.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated by local people, but occa-

sionally protected in the farms and around homesteads. Fast growing and eas-

ily raised by seed.

139

THE SPECIES

STATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: The only species in the genus Azanza. It is attacked by a host of cotton

stainers and other bugs, thus not to be grown in cotton-producing areas.

Azanza garckeana (contd) Malvaceae

Fruit and section

Flowers

Y oung fruit

Root suckers

140

THE SPECIES

Balanites aegyptiaca Balanitaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Arusha: Olngoswa; Barabaig: Ganyamda, Hawi; Chagga:

Mohoromo; Digo: Mwambangoma; English: Desert date; Fiome: Mjirya; Gogo:

Mduguyu, Mwambangoma; Hehe: Mduguya; Ngindo: Mnuwili; Nduguyu;

Gorowa: Hawi; Iraqw: Hawi, Hotlimo; Isanzu: Mudugunga; Luguru:

Mkongo; Maasai: Ilokwa (fruit), Olng’oswa, Olokwai, Osaragi; Mbugwe:

Modori; Nguu: Mkonga; Nyamwezi: Mduguyu, Mjuguyu, Muvambang’oma,

Myuguyu; Nyaturu: Mfughuyu; Nyiramba: Mudugunga; Pare: Iteru,

Mkisingo, Mkonga; Rangi: Kivambang’ombe, Mdori, Mjijiva, Mjijiwa, Nyijiva;

Sukuma: Myuguyugu, Nyuguyu; Swahili: Mchunju, Mjunju; Zigua:

Muwambangoma; Zinza: Mruguhu.

ESCRIPTION: A medium-sized semi-deciduous tree about 6 m, rounded crown

consisting of a tangled mass of thorny branches. BARK: Dark, cracked

and corky with age. THORNS: To 8 cm, soft at first, then woody. LEAVES:

Distinctive pairs of grey-green leaflets, ovate. FLOWERS: Fragrant yel-

low-green clusters, 1.5 cm across, 4–5 petals to 1 cm long, with 8–10 long

central stamens. FRUIT: Date-like, about 5 cm long, both ends rounded,

yellow when ripe, a hard pointed seed 4 x 2 cm within surrounded by yel-

low-brown, bitter-sweet flesh, seed easily separated.

COLOGY: Occurs from arid and semi-arid areas to sub-humid savanna. Also found

in dry wooded grasslands in low and medium-altitudes up to 2,000 m; rainfall

200–800 mm. Prefers valley soils; common in sand, clay, black-cotton, alluvial

and stony soils.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in most parts of Africa and in the Middle East. Widespread in

dry areas of Tanzania.

SES:

Food:

– Fruit are edible. The ripe fallen fruit are collected and the pulp eaten fresh.

They have a bitter taste (Gogo, Zigua).

– Cooking oil can be extracted from the seed. Seeds are collected, roasted,

pounded and boiled in water, allowed to cool and the oil skimmed off. The oil

is used for cooking vegetables such as peas, sweet potatoes or cassava (Zigua).

Medicinal:

– A decoction of the roots is used to treat abdominal pains, intestinal worms,

diarrhoea and as an antidote for poisoning (Maasai, Zigua).

– Gum from wood is mixed with maize-meal porridge and eaten to treat chest

complaints.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: Livestock eat fallen fruit on the ground and browse the leaves. The

wood is used for timber, poles, firewood, charcoal, combs, spoons, tool handles,

141

THE SPECIES

fencing, nails for native drums and carvings. The tree is also an important

source of bee forage.

EASON: Fruit are collected between April and June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and often protected by local people in home-

steads, fields and at trading centres. Regenerates easily from root suckers and

can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

Balanites aegyptiaca (contd) Balanitaceae

Mature fruit

Enlarged flower

Y oung flowers and fruit

Thorns

142

THE SPECIES

Balanites rotundifolia (B. orbicularis) Balanitaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Mvanga ng’oma; Digo: Mkonga; Hehe: Mvambandusi;

Maasai: Olkwai, Olngoswa; Sambaa: Mkonga; Swahili: Mbamba ngoma,

Mkonga; Zigua: Mkonga.

ESCRIPTION: A spiny multi-stemmed evergreen shrub or tree, 2–5 m. BARK: Grey,

later rough and furrowed. THORNS: Unusually dark green, stout, to 3 cm

and straight. LEAVES: Small, in pairs with no stalks, round to heart shaped,

grey-green, hairy. FLOWERS: Small, green-yellow, in small bunches along

the thorns. FRUIT: Oval, hairy, to 2 cm (fruit and seed more rounded and

smaller than in B. aegyptiaca).

COLOGY: Found in very dry wooded savanna and grassland up to 2,000 m. Thrives

in a variety of soils.

DISTRIBUTION: Occurs in Africa from Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda west to

West Africa. Found in north and north-east Tanzania, e.g. in Kilimanjaro and

Tanga Regions.

SES:

Food:

The pulp of the fruit is edible and sweet. The ripe reddish brown fruit are

either picked from the tree or collected from the ground. They are eaten as a

snack, especially by herdsmen (Maasai, Zigua).

Other: The wood is used for poles, firewood, charcoal, tool handles, spoons,

combs and carvings. Leaves and fruit are eaten by livestock. The tree pro-

vides shade and is a source of bee forage.

EASON: Fruit collected September–December.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Fruit are collected from the wild and it is not cultivated or protected

by the local people. It can be propagated by seed and root suckers.

STATUS: Uncommon.

143

THE SPECIES

Balanites rotundifolia (B. orbicularis) Balanitaceae

Thorn

Fruit

Flowers

144

THE SPECIES

Balanites wilsoniana Balanitaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Mkonga; Digo: Mkonga; Luguru: Mngalangala; Mwera:

Mmera; Ngindo: Mnuwili-msitu; Sambaa: Mbambangoma, Mkonga; Swahili:

Mguguni, Mkonga; Zaramo: Nyakahamba, Popoma.

ESCRIPTION: A large semi-deciduous forest tree, the trunk generally 6–12 m high

(to 30 m in rainforest), girth to 3 m, crooked or fairly straight with large as-

cending branches to a spreading crown, often densely interlocked. The

young trunk may have ring-like markings. The tree has conspicuous long

buttresses, continuing upwards as deep twisted fluting, sometimes with

compound thorns in the hollows. BARK: Yellow to grey-green or light brown,

generally smooth but rough with age; some flaking. Branchlets with forked

spines, very hard and sharp, arising above leaf axils and reaching 15 cm in

length, always absent from the flowering branches. LEAVES: 2 leaflets

on a common stalk to 2.5 cm, each leaflet stalked to 1 cm, wide oval, to 8.5

cm x 5 cm, rather thin and fleshy, tip more or less long pointed. New leaf

growth bright green. FLOWERS: Yellow-green, in stalked clusters, above

a leaf axil, growing from side shoots on older branches. Buds round, with 5

sepals, the 5 green petals, 7 mm long, surround a conspicuous central disc of 8–

10 stamens. FRUIT: A drupe, green, ripening yellow, 6–10 cm long, with 5

shallow ribs and an unpleasant smell; the fibrous coat surrounds the hard

inner stone. The seed kernel is edible and contains oil.

COLOGY: A tree of evergreen coastal forest and coastal thickets, 0–400 m; rainfall

1,000–1,800 mm. Tolerates a wide range of soil types, but does best in rich loam

soils.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in West Africa from Senegal to Cameroon, eastern Af-

rica and south to Zambia and Botswana. In Tanzania this species occurs along

the coast from Tanga southwards to Mtwara, e.g. in Banda Forest Reserve and

Kisarawe (Pwani Region), Kwamarukanga Forest Reserve (Tanga Region), and

Rondo escarpment in Lindi Region.

Uses:

Food:

– The fruit are eaten occasionally during the fruiting season.

– Edible oil is extracted from seeds and used for cooking. Seeds are pounded

and boiled in water, allowed to cool and the oil skimmed off.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The oil from the seeds is also used as a lubricant. Wood is used for

firewood, charcoal, building poles, carvings, tool handles, spoons, walking

sticks, furniture, grain mortars and stools. Leaves and fruit are used for

fodder. Also a good source of bee forage.

145

THE SPECIES

SEASON: Fruit are collected August–October.

TORAGE: Seeds can be stored for months.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and is not protected. It can be propagated by

seed and also produces root suckers.

TATUS: Common.

EMARKS: The fruit pulp is toxic to the snails which carry bilharzia. Decaying fruit

smell of acetic acid. Elephants relish the fruit and so disperse the seed.

Balanites wilsoniana (contd) Balanitaceae

Inner stone

Forked spines

Flower clusters

Fruit

146

THE SPECIES

Bauhinia kalantha Caesalpiniaceae

Indigenous

LOCAL NAMES: Hehe: Mtema; Nyamwezi: Kitemba; Swahili: Mchekwa.

ESCRIPTION: A shrub to 3 m, very attractive in flower, the branchlets without

hairs. LEAVES: Bilobed leaves, unusually deeply divided to four-fifths of the

depth with a flat boat-shaped scale-like projection at the bottom of the

divide, 2–4 mm. Whole leaf 1–4.5 cm x 1.5–8 cm across, the lobes rounded at

the apex. FLOWERS: Solitary, yellow, the 5 petals to 3.7 cm long, 5 nar-

row sepals outside and 10 fertile stamens around the centre, the stigma rounded,

to 3 mm. FRUIT: Thin woody pods about 10 cm long x 1.5 cm across contain

dark brown seeds.

COLOGY: Found in deciduous thicket and woodland, 600–1,000 m. Mainly found

in stony areas.

DISTRIBUTION: Endemic to Tanzania, found only in Dodoma, Iringa and Morogoro

Regions.

USES:

Food:

Tender leaves are used as a vegetable. Leaves are collected, chopped and

cooked alone or with other vegetables such as pumpkin leaves. Then pounded

groundnuts are added and the vegetable eaten with ugali or rice.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: Ornamental; bark fibre is used for ropes and the wood is good for fuel.

Produces a dye used in basketry.

EASON: Leaves are collected during the rainy season, November–April.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by local peo-

ple.

TATUS: Common.

147

THE SPECIES

Bauhinia kalantha Caesalpiniaceae

Deeply divided leaf

Flower

148

THE SPECIES

Berchemia discolor Rhamnaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Bird plum, Brown ivory, Wild almond; Gogo: Mgandu;

Hehe: Mgandu; Luguru: Nyahumbu; Matengo: Njerenje; Ngindo:

Mkelienge; Nyamwezi: Mkuni; Sandawi: Okoo, Ooko, Thokoi; Swahili: Mkulu,

Mnago; Yao: Njerenje.

ESCRIPTION: A semi-deciduous shrub or tall tree to 18 m with erect spreading

branches making a heavy rounded crown. BARK: Grey-black, cracking and

scaly, corky spots on young greenish branches. LEAVES: Simple, alternate,

shiny dark green, sticky when young, oval, to 11 cm, lateral nerves

making a clear pattern. FLOWERS: Small yellow-green, stalked, in loose

clusters, attracting bees. FRUIT: Date-like, yellow, about 2 cm long with 1–

2 flat seeds in sweet edible flesh.

COLOGY: Found in wooded grassland and open woodland, especially on termite

mounds. Also occurs along river valleys. Widely spread in miombo woodlands,

0–2,000 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania, e.g. Tabora, Dodoma and Morogoro Re-

gions; Yemen, Ethiopia, Somalia, south to Angola, Namibia, South Africa and

Madagascar.

SES:

Food:

– Fruit are edible. The ripe fruit are usually collected from the tree and eaten

raw, but fallen fruit which are sound can also be collected and eaten. They

are sweet and very much favoured by children, herdsmen and farmers to

assuage hunger (Gogo, Hehe, Nyamwezi).

– Ripe fruit can be soaked in water, squeezed and the juice drunk or used for

making porridge (Gogo).

Commercial: Fruit are occasionally sold in local markets because the trees are

not easily accessible.

Other: The wood is used for timber, tool handles, pestles, fuel, poles and

gunstocks. The ash from burnt wood is used to produce a substitute for white-

wash (Nyamwezi). Ash is mixed with water, the liquid filtered and used as a

tenderizer for vegetables.

EASON: Fruit are collected in March–April; in Iringa in November–December.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated, but sometimes retained

in farms and homesteads. It can be propagated by seed and root suckers.

TATUS: Common in its area of distribution.

EMARKS: Fast growing and a suitable species for agroforestry.

149

THE SPECIES

Berchemia discolor Rhamnaceae

Leafy shoot

Fruit

150

THE SPECIES

Bidens pilosa Compositae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bende: Nsanda; Bondei: Twanguo; Chagga: Imbar’a; English:

Blackjack; Gogo: Mhangalale; Gorowa: Ghalmi; Hehe: Livanivani; Luguru:

Nyaweza; Makonde: Ntwanguo; Maasai: Inderepenyi; Matengo: Inyule,

Kisosoki, Manyonyoli, Nungunungu; Ndendeule: Kinywegerere; Ngoni:

Kisosoki, Manyonyoli, Nungunungu; Nyamwezi: Lekalamata, Nsanda;

Nyaturu: Mpangwe; Rangi: Pumbuji; Sambaa: Kitojo, Mbwembwe; Swahili

Kishonanguo; Tongwe: Kalasa.

ESCRIPTION: An erect and prolific annual herb, much branched above, to 1 m, but

may fruit when quite small, stem 4-angled. LEAVES: Compound, to 8.5 cm

long, variable in size and shape, 1–3 ovate toothed leaflets, lower leaves usu-

ally stalked with 3 leaflets. FLOWERS: In heads 1.2 cm across, the central

disk florets yellow, outer florets with white rays, sometimes absent. Head

tubular, surrounded by 2 rows of softly hairy bracts, only 6 mm long. FRUIT:

Black achenes, about 1 cm long, tipped with 2–4 barbed bristles which

catch on fur and clothing, aiding dispersal. They project above the shorter

bracts.

COLOGY: Common on cultivated land, paths and disturbed areas in forests and

grasslands, 0–2,100 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in all parts of Tanzania. Widespread in tropical Africa.

SES:

Food:

The leaves and young shoots are chopped, mixed with other vegetables and

boiled. Chopped leaves and young shoots can also be added to beans or peas

at the end of cooking. Simsim or groundnut paste may be added. It is eaten

occasionally with the staple as a substitute for other more preferred veg-

etables.

Medicinal:

– Leaves are used as medicine to treat stomach-ache and intestinal worms

(Pare, Sambaa). Also used to treat wounds and recurrent fevers in children.

– Roots are used to treat constipation and malaria.

– A herbal tea prepared from the leaves is drunk to relieve excessive gas in

the stomach.

Commercial: Leaves are sold in local markets (Sambaa).

Other: The plant is used for fodder and is a source of bee forage.

EASON: Leaves are collected in the early rainy seasons.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: It is not cultivated or protected by local people.

151

THE SPECIES

STATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: A troublesome weed.

Bidens pilosa (contd) Compositae

Fruiting head

Barbed fruit, enlarged

Disk florets

Enlarged ray floret

152

THE SPECIES

Bidens schimperi Compositae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Nyahedja, Nyahedza; Hehe: Nyatwanga; Luguru: Mangwe,

Mbangwe, Nyaweza; Sambaa: Mwitango.

ESCRIPTION: An annual herb, much branched, erect or straggling to about 1 m,

stems often reddish. LEAVES: Opposite, pinnately lobed, deeply indented,

often into 3 sections, usually stalked. FLOWERS: Conspicuous bright yel-

low, terminal with scattered heads, each one with about 8–10 ray florets,

broad and blunt at the tip, very many central more orange disc florets, the

green bracts around each head with brown tips to 8 mm, in 2 rows.

FRUIT: Small achenes, the pappus of barbed bristles stick to clothing.

COLOGY: Common in dry grassland, black-cotton soil, old cultivation, Brachystegia

woodland in grassy glades, overgrazed or recently burnt soils, 0–2,400 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania; found also in Kenya, Uganda, Somalia,

Burundi, Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe.

SES:

Food:

Leaves are eaten as a vegetable. They are collected, chopped and cooked

alone or mixed with other vegetables such as peas, pumpkin leaves or mnavu

(Solanum nigrum). Coconut milk or groundnut paste, tomatoes and onions

may be added in order to make it more palatable (Bena, Hehe).

Medicinal: Roots are used as medicine to treat coughs and colds (Bena, Hehe).

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used as an ornamental, for fodder and is a source of bee

forage.

EASON: Leaves are collected at the beginning of the rainy season, i.e. November–

January.

STORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by the local

people.

STATUS: Common in its area of distribution.

EMARKS: A serious weed in all areas where it occurs.

153

THE SPECIES

Bidens schimperi Compositae

8 ray florets

Enlarged barbed fruits

Deeply divided leaf

Central disc florets

154

THE SPECIES

Bombax rhodognaphalon var. tomentosum Bombacaceae

Indigenous [Plate 1]

OCAL NAMES: English: East African cotton tree, Wild kapok tree; Matengo:

Mkaranga mti; Mwera: Mng’uma; Ngindo: Msufi pori; Nguu: Mwale;

Nyakyusa: Msyavala; Rufiji: Mfuma; Sambaa: Mfuma, Mwale; Swahili:

Mkaranga mti, Msufi mwitu; Zigua: Mwali.

ESCRIPTION: A tall tree to 36 m with a straight bole and medium crown. BARK:

Yellow-green, smooth. LEAVES: Compound, with 3–7 leaflets like fin-

gers of a hand, each to 4 cm long. FLOWERS: 5 petals, pale yellow, red or

white, numerous anthers with red stamens; calyx bell shaped. FRUIT: Oval

brown woody capsule about 6 x 3 cm, which splits open to set free many

seeds in dark red-brown fluffy kapok.

COLOGY: Found in woodland and riverine forest, 600–1,100 m.

ISTRIBUTION: In Tanzania it is known from Mbeya Region. Also occurs in Mozam-

bique.

SES:

Food:

– Seeds are roasted and eaten like groundnuts.

– Seeds are roasted, pounded and the powder used for cooking with vegetables

or meat.

Medicinal: The bark is used as medicine to treat diarrhoea (Sambaa). Leaves

and roots are also used as a charm against witchcraft.

Commercial: Seeds are sold in local markets.

Other:

The wood is soft and is used for timber, plywood and pulp. The bark produces

fibre and a red dye. Fluffy kapok surrounding the seeds is used to stuff pil-

lows and mattresses. The tree is used for shade and as an avenue tree.

EASON: Fruit mature from October to December.

TORAGE: Seeds can be stored for about four months but are susceptible to fungal

and insect damage.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, but also cultivated in some areas of Mbeya

and Ruvuma Regions. Generally, female plants are protected by local people.

Easily propagated by seed.

TATUS: Natural and domesticated.

EMARKS: This species has been introduced to other areas of Tanzania, e.g. Ruvuma

Region. There is a second variety, var. rhodognaphalon, which occurs in low-

land rainforests, especially along the coast. Its uses are similar to those of var.

tomentosa.

155

THE SPECIES

Bombax rhodognaphalon var. tomentosum Bombacaceae

Seed

Kapok and seed

Leafy shoot

Leaf and mature

capsule splitting open

Segment of split

capsule

156

THE SPECIES

Borassus aethiopum Arecaceae (Palmae)

Indigenous [Plate 1]

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Mvuma; Digo: Dzova, Mvumo, Ngolokolo (fruit); English:

African fan palm, Borassus palm, Debeb palm, Palmyra palm; Nyamwezi:

Mhama, Muhama; Nyaturu: Mfama; Nyiramba: Mpama; Sambaa: Vumo;

Sukuma: Muhama; Swahili: Mchapa, Mtapa, Mvuma; Ngindo: Mvumo.

ESCRIPTION: A straight tall palm to 20 m with a swollen bole. TRUNK: Smooth

grey, thickened above the middle, dead leaves remain on the young trunk,

old trunks up to 80 cm across. LEAVES: Large, fan shaped, to 4 m long x 3 m

across, deeply divided into leaflets, thorny at the base. FLOWERS: Male and

female on different trees, male producing branched spikes up to 2 m carrying

the pollen. FRUIT: Large, in bunches, round, up to 15 cm diameter, orange-

brown, in the enlarged calyx cup, fibrous oily pulp around 3 seeds, each 8 cm

brown, woody. (A fruit cluster may weigh 25–50 kg; one ripe fruit weighed 1.3

kg—see illustration.)

COLOGY: Found where the water-table is high in wooded savanna grassland. It is

usually found in sandy soil and in floodplains in dense stands, 0–1,200 m;

rainfall 900–1,400 mm.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread throughout the less dry areas of tropical Africa. Found

in all parts of Tanzania except Arusha and Kilimanjaro.

SES:

Food:

– Fruit are edible. The ripe fallen fruit are collected, peeled and the juicy pulp

is squeezed in water to form a solution which is added to porridge during

cooking to improve the flavour (Nyamwezi, Nyiramba).

– The fruit are collected and the pulp eaten in small amounts as a snack. It is

slightly sweet, but with a mild turpentine-like flavour (Nyamwezi, Nyiramba).

– The tip of the trunk is cut and excavated so that a bowl-shaped depression is

made where sap accumulates. The sap is then collected and slightly fer-

mented into a refreshing drink.

Commercial: Fruit are sold on the roadside and in open markets.

Other: Provides good timber for off-ground construction purposes and is also

used for beehives. Leaves are used to make mats and baskets.

EASON: Fruit are collected when they fall in July–December.

TORAGE: Fruit can be stored in the ground for 2–3 months.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild. Generally, female plants are protected by

local people. It can be propagated using fresh seed.

STATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: The tree takes 10–15 years to produce fruit.

157

THE SPECIES

Borassus aethiopum Arecaceae (Palmae)

Leaf

Young fruit (6 sepals, 3 + 3

form a calyx cup)

Ripe fallen fruit

(12 cm across, I

kg)

158

THE SPECIES

Brexia madagascariensis Brexiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Swahili: Mfukufuku, Mfurugudu, Mkurufu, Mkuvufu, Mpumbuti.

ESCRIPTION: A much-branched, dense evergreen shrub or small tree, 2–3 m. BARK:

Grey-brown, striated. LEAVES: Alternate, variable in shape, narrow oblong to

broad, wider at the tip, 3.5–14 cm long, thick and leathery, tip rounded or

deeply notched, edge wavy, slightly rolled under, base tapering or rounded to a

stalk 1–2 cm. FLOWERS: In rather loose branched clusters, beside leaves,

sometimes on old wood, each flower to 2 cm diameter, the 5 spreading petals

pale yellow or green-white, thick and fleshy, curling backwards, 4–5

stamens arise between the 5 lobes at the central disc with several stiff pointed

filaments at the base. FRUIT: Woody, rather fibrous tapering cylinders

about 4–10 cm long, with 5 definite ridges, said to become soft, pulpy and

edible with age. The fruit can float in sea water for many months and the

numerous dark seeds within remain viable.

COLOGY: Coastal evergreen bushland on coral or coarse, rocky ground, edges of

saline water, swamp forest, mangrove swamp, on eroded ridges near the sea,

0–100 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread along the coast, from Tanga southwards to Mtwara and

on Zanzibar and Pemba Islands. Found in Mozambique, the Comoro Islands,

Madagascar and South Africa.

SES:

Food:

Fruit are edible. The pulp of ripe fruit is eaten raw.

Medicinal: Roots are boiled and the liquid drunk to treat stomach-ache and

yaws.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for poles, charcoal, firewood, yokes, spoons and tool

handles.

EASON: Ripe fruit are available in November and December.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated, but can be propagated

using fresh seed.

TATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: Only one species occurs in Africa.

159

THE SPECIES

Brexia madagascariensis Brexiaceae

Flowering shoot

Fruit and enlar ged seed

Enlarged flower

160

THE SPECIES

Bridelia micrantha Euphorbiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Mwiza; Chagga: Marie, Monde, Mwaru; Fipa: Mlangali,

Munyamaji; Haya: Mshamako, Mshumako, Mukuwe, Mushamako, Omukuwe,

Omusha mako; Hehe: Mpalang’anga, Mwesa; Iraqw: Intsalmo, Isalmo;

Luguru: Msumba, Mwiza; Matengo: Mayenda, Mnyenda, Myenda; Nguu:

Mkolakole; Nyakyusa: Mwisya; Nyiha: Munyeraminu, Munyeraminzi,

Sengamino; Pare: Mwira; Sambaa: Muiza, Mwiza; Swahili: Mkarakara,

Mkarati, Mtutu; Tongwe: Kamembe; Zaramo: Mkarangatanga; Zigua:

Mweza, Mwiza; Zinza: Msamiko.

ESCRIPTION: A medium-sized leafy evergreen tree with dense spreading crown,

to 13 m. BARK: Grey-brown, flaking with age, young stems zigzag, dotted with

paler breathing pores. LEAVES: Appear compound but actually alternate along

branches, dark shiny green above, about 12 cm long, veins parallel, ex-

tending along margin, leaf stalks slightly hairy. FLOWERS: Small and yel-

lowish, bunched in leaf axils, male and female flowers on different trees.

FRUIT: Soft, purple-black, oval, up to 8 mm, sweet and edible when ripe.

COLOGY: Found in forests by rivers, forest edges or open woodland, 0–2,200 m. It

does well in a wide variety of climates.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in all parts of Tanzania, including Zanzibar and Pemba Is-

lands. Also widespread in the rest of Africa from Senegal eastwards to Ethiopia

and southwards to South Africa; also in Reunion.

SES:

Food:

Fruit are edible. Ripe fruit are collected from the tree and eaten. They are

much eaten by children and herdsmen in order to quench hunger and thirst

(Bondei, Pare, Sambaa, Zigua).

Medicinal:

– The bark is used as medicine to treat stomach-ache, diarrhoea, dysentery

and intestinal worms (Maasai).

– Roots are used to treat allergy, STDs, headache and prolapsed rectum

(Sambaa).

– The bark is mixed with soup and given to children as a tonic (Maasai, Pare).

– The leaf sap is used to treat sore eyes.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for timber, poles, firewood, grain mortars, spoons, tool

handles and charcoal. Leaves are used for fodder for goats. The tree is used

for shade and is a source of bee forage. The bark produces a red dye.

EASON: Fruit are collected during and at the end of the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

161

THE SPECIES

MANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, but also from people’s farms where it is planted

as one of the important agroforestry species. Can be propagated by fresh seed

and root suckers.

TATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: A popular and fast-growing agroforestry species.

Bridelia micrantha (contd) Euphorbiaceae

Marginal veins

Fruit

Tiny flowers in leaf axils

162

THE SPECIES

Bussea massaiensis Caesalpiniaceae

(Peltophorum massaiense)

Indigenous [Plate 1]

OCAL NAMES: Gogo: Mubefu; Nyamwezi: Mbetu; Nyaturu: Mfetru; Sandawi: /

”Ánka.

DESCRIPTION: A shrub, small- or medium-sized tree with a spreading crown,

2–12 m, the young shoots and flower stalks typically covered with spreading

rusty brown hairs. BARK: Smooth and grey. LEAVES: Usually opposite, with

only 2 pairs of pinnate leaves, each pinna stalk with 5–8 pairs of oval leaf-

lets 1.3–6 cm long, tip notched or rounded, base unequal, with flattened hairs

below and hairy stalks. FLOWERS: Yellow in dense terminal heads, the

rounded buds and flower stalks covered with coarse rust-brown hairs; 5 sepals

open to display 4 + 1 crinkly petals, the 4 longer petals 1–3 cm long; 10 sta-

mens, hairy at the base. FRUIT: Distinctive erect pods, hard, woody and

rusty hairy, 7–12 cm long x 2 cm across, with a clear groove down the

centre, splitting into 2 sections which bend back to set free 1–3 seeds.

COLOGY: Thickets, deciduous bushland and woodland, 1,100–1,400 m, sometimes

a dominant species in thickets.

DISTRIBUTION: Endemic to Tanzania. Found only in Dodoma, Singida and Tabora

Regions.

SES:

Food:

– Seeds are collected, roasted, a little salt added and eaten like groundnuts.

– Seeds are roasted and pounded. The powder is used in making soup with

vegetables or meat.

Commercial: Seeds are sold in local markets.

Other: The wood is hard and termite resistant so used for building poles, pestles,

tool handles and carvings. Leaves and seeds are used as fodder for goats

and sheep. The tree has bright yellow flowers and is suitable as an orna-

mental, for shade and as an avenue tree.

EASON: Fruit and seeds are collected from May to July.

TORAGE: Seeds can be stored up to two years.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, but is also retained in farms by the local

people. The tree can be propagated by seed.

STATUS: Endemic to Tanzania. Often restricted to small localities within its area of

distribution, where it may be abundant.

EMARKS: Establishment of this tree outside its habitat requires mycorrhizal inocu-

lation using soil from a natural stand.

163

THE SPECIES

Bussea massaiensis Caesalpiniaceae

(Peltophorum massaiense)

Seeds

Pods: split and twisted

Flowering branch

Upright pods

Young fruit pod and section

164

THE SPECIES

Canarium schweinfurthii Burseraceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: African canarium; Haya: Mbafu, Mubafu; Swahili: Mbani,

Mpafu; Tongwe: Sigonfi.

ESCRIPTION: A massive deciduous tree to 40 m, the bole often clear to 30 m.

Large branches reach to a spreading rounded umbrella crown. In young

trees branches are whorled at right angles to the trunk and curve up-

wards. The base may have slight blunt buttresses, and overground roots

may spread out to 10 m from the tree base. BARK: Thick and rough,

grey-red-brown, flaking in pieces up to 30 x 10 cm. Young branchlets

hairy red-brown. When cut, the fragrant resin smells of incense. LEAVES:

Odd pinnate, tufted at the ends of branches, usually 6–10 pairs of leaflets plus

1, each with a short stalk, oval to oblong, stiff, long pointed to 15 cm,

base rounded, about 15 pairs side veins, vein network dense below, sur-

face dull green-brown with a few hairs but more hairy below, especially veins.

FLOWERS: Creamy white in axillary sprays to 30 cm long, 3 petals and

a 3-part calyx, funnel shaped with rust-red hairs inside and out. FRUIT:

Smooth and oblong, soft and purple when ripe, 2.5–4.0 cm long. A 3-

ridged stone inside as long as the fruit, eventually splits to release 3 seeds.

COLOGY: Common in tropical lowlands and medium-altitude rainforest, thickets

and cultivated land, up to 1,600 m; rainfall 900–2,200 mm. Tolerates a wide

range of soil types, but prefers sandy clay loams and sandy loams.

ISTRIBUTION: Widely distributed from Senegal east to the Sudan, Ethiopia, and

south to Angola and Zambia. In Tanzania it is common around Lake Victoria

and Lake Tanganyika.

SES:

Food:

– The ripe fruit are harvested and immersed in hot water to soften the rind

and flesh and then eaten. Seeds are rejected. They taste similar to olives and

are very popular as a snack among herders and children.

– Fruit are collected and depulped. When dry the inner stone is cracked and

the seed (kernel) eaten (Haya, Tongwe).

Medicinal:

– The leaves are boiled with other herbs and the decoction used to treat coughs.

– The seeds are roasted and pounded and the resulting powder mixed with

skin oil or jelly to treat wounds.

– The bark is boiled and the decoction drunk for treatment of hypertension.

Commercial: Salted fruit are sold in major markets.

Other: The crystallized resin is used as incense that has both cultural and

religious significance. The wood is soft and used for timber, firewood, char-

coal and veneer. The tree is also used as an ornamental and for shade.

165

THE SPECIES

SEASON: Fruit are collected from August to December in Kagera.

TORAGE: The dry inner stone can be stored for about two years (Haya).

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, but also protected by local people wherever

it occurs. Can easily be propagated using fresh seed.

TATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: This is an excellent shade tree and has been planted for reforestation.

The wood is suitable for construction work, but should be seasoned with care.

A related species with similar uses is C. madagascariense (Sambaa: Mpafu:

Swahili: Mpafu; Zigua: Mpafu) which is rare and found along the coast from

Tanga southwards to Kilwa. It is a large tree up to 12 m high.

Canarium schweinfurthii (contd) Burseraceae

C. madagascariense

Flowering shoot

Stone

Mature fruit

Buds

Y oung fruit

Leaf tip

C. schweinfurthii

166

THE SPECIES

Canthium burttii Rubiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Mottled-bark canthium; Gogo: Mbahuza mtwe,

Mbwanhubwanhu, Mpakapaka; Nyamwezi: Mgubalu, Mkamu, Msongwa-

nsimba; Rangi: Kiviruviru; Sandawi: Namu; Sukuma: Ngubalu, Nkamu;

Zinza: Mgango.

ESCRIPTION: A leafy shrub or small tree to 8 m. BARK: Young twigs green, old

branches smooth red-grey, darker, rough and peeling with age. LEAVES: In

opposite pairs, oval to almost circular, about 5–10 cm long, the tip well

pointed, the base usually narrowed to a short stalk, the leaf surfaces may

have small rough hairs and there are 5–6 pairs of side veins, rather darker

than the leaf. Between young leaves are a pair of oval pointed stipules,

membranous, to 1 cm, but soon falling. FLOWERS: Axillary, growing from

the leaf nodes of last season’s growth, small green-yellow, in clusters of 3–11

on a stalk to 2 cm, sometimes forked. Each flower tubular, less than 1 cm

long, the style shaped like a match head in the hairy opening of the tube.

FRUIT: Fleshy and oblong, up to 1 cm long, yellow-orange ripening

black, in dense clusters, containing 1 seed.

COLOGY: Found on rocky hills of dry woodland areas and in dense vegetation by

roadsides, 800–2,000 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania except the coastal areas. Also in the Congo

basin, Zambia and South Africa.

SES:

Food:

Fruit are edible. Ripe fruit pulp is eaten raw and tastes like chocolate.

Commercial: Sold in local markets.

Other: Poles, firewood, tool handles, ornamental and is a source of bee forage.

EASON: Fruit can be collected in February–April.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not cultivated or protected locally.

TATUS: Common.

EMARKS: A popular fruit for herdsmen and game hunters.

167

THE SPECIES

Canthium burttii Rubiaceae

Fruit

Flower clusters

168

THE SPECIES

Canthium lactescens Rubiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Gorowa: Fraaki; Haya: Msangati; Iraqw: Tlerghw; Maasai:

Olkumi; Matengo: Mapendo; Rangi: Kiviruviru.

ESCRIPTION: A shrub or tree, 3–12 m, the short leafy shoots with only one

pair of leaves, young branches hairy. BARK: Grey–dark grey–red, rough

with age. Yellow gum oozes from damaged branches. LEAVES: Well spaced,

dull dark green, softly leathery, wide oval, 6–16 cm long, 4–14 cm wide, tip

shortly pointed, hairs on midrib and on 8–10 pairs of lateral veins below,

base broadly rounded to a stalk to 2 cm. Stipules leathery, triangular to 1

cm. Leaves often turn black when dry. FLOWERS: Sweet smelling, cream-yel-

low, 5 mm with 5 triangular petal lobes, up to 50 flowers on one side of

much-branched hanging stalks to 3 cm, usually from old nodes of the pre-

vious season’s growth. FRUIT: Oval, asymmetric, strongly 2-lobed, apex

notched, fleshy and edible, yellow turning brown-purple when ripe, about 1

cm long, containing 1 seed.

COLOGY: Dry savanna grassland, often associated with Acacia tortilis, up to 1,500

m; rainfall 1,000–1,300 mm. Thrives in well-drained sandy loams.

DISTRIBUTION: From West Africa to the Sudan, Ethiopia, East Africa and south to

Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia. Widespread in Tanzania.

SES:

Food:

The small fruit are collected especially by children and herdsmen and eaten

raw. They taste sweet but slightly acidic. They are eaten as snacks.

Medicinal: Roots are pounded and soaked in warm water. The decoction is

drunk twice a day as a purgative.

Other: The wood is hard and used for firewood, building poles, withies and tool

handles.

EASON: Fruit are collected from April to June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local peo-

ple, but can be propagated by fresh seed.

STATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

169

THE SPECIES

Canthium lactescens Rubiaceae

Fruit

Flower heads

Flowering branch

Enlarged flower

Y oung fruit

Seeds

170

THE SPECIES

Canthium oligocarpum subsp. oligocarpum Rubiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Fipa: Msanda; Haya: Mtabagira; Hehe: Mhamamala, Mhomanga,

Mhomang’ambako; Sambaa: Mdaia, Ntula-vuha.

DESCRIPTION: A shrub or tree 1.5–20 m, the trunk, coppice shoots and young

branches armed with thin spines to 2 cm long, arising in twos or threes. BARK:

Grey. LEAVES: Opposite or in a whorl of 3–4, narrow oval, 3–14 cm, the tip

long but blunt, stiff or papery, hairy pits in the axils below, clearly dark

above and pale below when dry, on a stalk to 1.5 cm, sheathing stipules at

the nodes bear a thin tip to 3 mm long. FLOWERS: White-yellow-green, in

loose drooping heads to 3 cm long; about 25 small flowers, each tubular, about

9 mm, the style protruding from 5 triangular lobes. FRUIT: In loose bunches,

more or less oblong, tip notched, 2-lobed, about 2 cm long, containing 2

seeds, green-grey, sometimes with paler marks, flattened.

COLOGY: Moist forest, forest edges, valley forest remnants, 1,800–2,600 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Western Tanzania, e.g. around Mpanda and in Mbizi Forest Re-

serve, Rukwa Region. Also found in Uganda, Kenya, the Congo basin, Rwanda,

Burundi, Sudan, Ethiopia.

SES:

Food:

Fruit are fleshy and eaten raw as a snack.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is hard and used for building poles, fuelwood and tool handles.

The tree is a source of bee forage.

EASON: Fruit are collected from April to June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not planted or protected by the local

people, but can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: Two other subspecies occur in Tanzania which are also edible:

1. Subsp. captum is found around Lushoto, Iringa and Morogoro, and also in

Malawi and Mozambique.

2. Subsp. intermedium is found around Kilimanjaro, Same and Morogoro.

171

THE SPECIES

Canthium oligocarpum subsp. oligocarpum Rubiaceae

Fruit

Stipule

Y oung spiny shoot

Lower leaf, hairs in axil

Enlarged flower

Seeds

172

THE SPECIES

Cardamine trichocarpa Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Chagga: Ngombo; Maasai: Ingoomba; Pare: Kisegeju; Swahili:

Kisegeju.

ESCRIPTION: An annual herb with a taproot; can be well branched and erect, 5–50

cm, leaves spread at the base and along the stems. LEAVES: Alternate, di-

vided and lobed, up to 5 pairs of leaflets plus a terminal leaflet, each oval

and toothed, with a leaf stalk. FLOWERS: Numerous and tiny, green (white-

pink) on branched heads, often not opening, 4 sepals 2 mm, 4 smaller petals.

FRUIT: Long thin capsules, to 2.6 cm, tapering and flat, with scattered hairs,

red-brown seeds in rows each side.

COLOGY: Moist ground, clearings, roadsides, farmland, apparently increasingly

spreading as a weed, 2,000–3,000 m; rainfall 1,200–1,800 mm. Tolerates a wide

range of soil types.

ISTRIBUTION: From West Africa to the Sudan, the Congo basin and in the Central

African Republic, Cameroon, Burundi, Ethiopia, Angola and India. Widespread

in Tanzania, including Arusha, Tanga, Kilimanjaro and Ruvuma Regions. Also

in Kenya and Uganda.

SES:

Food:

The leaves are picked, wilted and chopped. They are then boiled and added

to bean or pea stew and served with a staple; or served as a vegetable alone

with the staple.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used as fodder for goats and rabbits.

EASON: Collected in the early rains.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by the local

people.

STATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: A bad weed in rice fields.

173

THE SPECIES

Cardamine trichocarpa Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)

Fruit capsules

174

THE SPECIES

Carissa edulis Apocynaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Barabaig: Qach; Chagga: Machame, Manka; English: Simple-

spined carissa; Fipa: Msuuku; Gorowa: Titiwi; Ha: Umuyonza; Haya:

Moyonzaki, Muyanza, Muyonza; Hehe: Mfumbwe, Mvambandusi; Iraqw:

Quach, Titiyo; Kerewe: Mkanga onza, Mkangayonza; Kuria: Munyore,

Rinyore; Maasai: Olamuriaki, Olyamliyak; Nguu: Mkumbaku; Nyamwezi:

Mfumbeli; Pare: Mchofwe; Rangi: Mkabaku; Sambaa: Mfumba. Mkumbaku;

Swahili: Mtanda mboo; Zaramo: Mukambaku.

ESCRIPTION: A spiny shrub or small tree to 5 m, sometimes a climber. BARK: Dark

grey, smooth, with straight woody spines to 5 cm, often in pairs, rarely

branching. Has the milky latex characteristic of all members of this family.

LEAVES: Opposite, leathery, shiny, dark green, to 5 cm, tip pointed,

base rounded, stalk very short. FLOWERS: Fragrant, in pink-white termi-

nal clusters, each flower to 2 cm, 5 petal lobes overlap to the right. FRUIT:

Rounded berries, about 1 cm, purple-black when ripe, sweet and edible,

2–4 seeds.

COLOGY: Occurs in savanna woodland, in thickets, forests, disturbed areas and on

termite mounds at medium altitudes, 1,100–1,600 m; rainfall 1,000–2,100 mm.

Thrives in a variety of soil types.

ISTRIBUTION: Found throughout the drier parts of tropical Africa, and also across

Asia. Widespread in Tanzania.

SES:

Food:

The fruit are collected directly from the plant when ripe (black or purple)

and the pulp is eaten. It is very sweet with a lot of white sap. The seeds are

discarded.

Medicinal: A decoction of the roots is used to treat malaria in children and also

to increase lactation in women.

Other: The plant provides firewood, is a source of bee forage and is good as an

ornamental.

EASON: Fruit are collected during the dry season, October–December.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and usually not protected or cultivated by

local people

STATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: Two other Carissa species have edible fruit:

1. Carissa bispinosa (English: Y-thorned carissa; Maasai: Olyamliyak;

Nyamwezi: Mfumbeli; Sambaa: Mfumba; Zigua: Mkumbaku) a shrub or tree

175

THE SPECIES

to 5 m with thick spines, usually once- or twice-forked but sometimes simple (to

8 cm long). Small flowers, white and star-like, grow in dense heads, 5 tiny petal

lobes overlap left. Leaves usually oval–round, small and shiny. Fruit usually

red. Widespread in Tanzania, coastal Kenya and southwards to South Africa.

2. Carissa tetramera (Maasai: Olyamliyak; Sambaa: Mkalakala: Swahili:

Mtanda mboo; Zigua: Mkalakala) a shrub or tree to 4 m, with strong spines,

usually forked; leaf shape variable but margins often slightly round toothed or

finely sharp toothed. The small flowers have only 4 lobes, overlap left, fruit

small and black. Found in Tanga, other coastal areas of Tanzania and in Kenya.

Carissa edulis (contd) Apocynaceae

C. bispinosa

C. tetramera

Spines

Many forked spines

Divided

spines

Variable leaf shapes

Flowers

Fruit

Flower

Fruit

C. edulis

Flowers

Fruit

176

THE SPECIES

Carpodiptera africana Tiliaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Mwera: Mkongolo, Mmilambutuka; Rufiji: Mnanga; Sambaa:

Mfesti; Swahili: Mkikoma, Mkongoro, Mwangamaima; Zaramo: Mlanga.

ESCRIPTION: A shrub or tree, commonly 1–5 m but reaching 12 m. BARK: Smooth,

silvery grey at first, later grey-brown, long-fissured and rough. LEAVES: Al-

ternate, large and oval, 5–25 cm, with star-shaped hairs when young,

base rounded to a hairy stalk 1–2 cm, veins raised below. FLOWERS: Small,

fragrant, white or pink, in large dense bunches, from branched axillary

hairy stalks, buds rounded with 5 sepals joined to the calyx, 5 petals only 6 mm

long. FRUIT: Pale at first then a dull pink-brown, tinged red, very charac-

teristic papery winged capsules, to 1.5 cm long, each half with a pair of

unequal wings spreading sideways to 5 cm, covered with short soft hairs. The

capsule breaks open to set free seed.

COLOGY: Confined to coastal areas, found in open wooded grassland, dry forest

and at forest edges, in dense bushland where it is a colonizer; also recorded on

coral limestone, in sandy soils and fringing swamp forest, 0–100 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in Tanga, Coast, Lindi and Mtwara Regions, Zanzibar. Also

found in Kenya, Mozambique and southwards to South Africa.

SES:

Food:

Leaves are used as a vegetable. Tender leaves are collected, cut into pieces,

washed and cooked alone or mixed with other vegetables such as peas, coco-

nut milk added and then served with ugali or rice.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: Wood is used for poles, tool handles and spoons.

EASON: Leaves are collected during the rainy season, i.e. December–June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not planted or locally protected.

TATUS: Common within its habitat.

EMARKS: Eaten during times of food scarcity.

177

THE SPECIES

Carpodiptera africana Tiliaceae

Winged fruit capsules

Fruit capsules (with wings

removed)

Flower heads

178

THE SPECIES

Carpolobia goetzii Polygalaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Swahili: Msiki, Mtindapo, Mzukizuki; Zaramo: Mzukizuki.

ESCRIPTION: An evergreen shrub with many slender branches or a small tree, 1–

5 m, occasionally a scrambler. BARK: Smooth, grey. LEAVES: Alternate, gen-

erally oval, 4–9 cm long, stiff and leathery, shiny green both sides, tip pointed,

base usually narrowed to a very short stalk. FLOWERS: Green-white with

mauve markings, a few flowers on slender stalks to 3 cm, beside leaves, buds

to 19 mm, red-purple with 5 almost equal sepals, pale green, corolla tubular,

lower 3 lobes white, upper 2 variable, brown-purple with white edges or

white with purple tips, stamens cream-white, stigma green. FRUIT: 3-angled,

to 1 cm across, lime green at first, turning pale yellow to orange and very

shiny when ripe, edible.

COLOGY: Found in mixed forest, or bushland, margins of lakes or rivers, ever-

green thicket; an under-storey shrub in forest, even in grassland with scat-

tered trees. It may be locally dominant on sandy soils, e.g. in abandoned culti-

vated areas, 0–1,100 m.

ISTRIBUTION: In Tanzania this species is found in eastern, western and southern

areas and has been recorded in Coast, Tanga, Kigoma, Lindi, Mtwara, Dar es

Salaam, Kagera and Mwanza Regions. Also found in Kenya, Uganda and the

Congo basin.

SES:

Food:

Ripe fruit are fleshy, sweet and eaten raw.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant has white, fragrant flowers and is used as an ornamental; it

is also a source of bee forage.

EASON: Fruit are collected from April to June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by the local

people but can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: Much foraged by bees, hence its name Mzukizuki. The fruit are much

liked by chimpanzees.

179

THE SPECIES

Carpolobia goetzii Polygalaceae

Bud and flowers enlarged

Flattened dry fruit

Cross-section

Enlarged fruit

180

THE SPECIES

Caylusea abyssinica Resedaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Lukalifya, Mkalifya; Hehe: Lukalifya, Mkalifya.

ESCRIPTION: An erect or short-lived perennial herb, occasionally bushy, to 1 m

high, stems usually with a few rough hairs on the angles. LEAVES:

Long and thin, often wavy, 2–8 cm long, rough hairs on nerves and edges.

FLOWERS: Very small and white, 5 mm across, in long dense terminal

heads 5–40 cm, 5 sepals, 5 petals, some deeply divided, bracts at the base, 10–

15 stamens as long as petals, about 3 mm. FRUIT: An open star-like cluster

of small woody fruit, each 4 mm in diameter, containing 7–12 tiny rough

seeds, surrounded by the persistent calyx, with hairy edges.

COLOGY: A weed of secondary grassland, abandoned cultivation, disturbed or waste

places and riversides, 1,200–3,000 m.

DISTRIBUTION: In northern, central and southern highlands of Tanzania, e.g. around

Moshi, Dodoma, Mbeya and Kondoa. Also found in Uganda, Kenya, Eritrea

and Ethiopia.

SES:

Food:

Tender leaves and stems are collected, chopped, washed, mixed with other

vegetables then cooked; pounded seeds of pumpkin, sunflower or Cannabis

sativa or groundnut paste added and then eaten with or without a staple

(ugali).

Medicinal: Boiled leaves are used to treat stomach pains and to eliminate in-

testinal worms.

Commercial: Sold in local markets.

Other: The plant is used as fodder for goats and rabbits. It is also used as an

ornamental.

EASON: Leaves are mostly collected during the rainy season, December–April, but

can be collected throughout the year where moisture in the soil is sufficient for

growth.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Usually collected from the wild, but sometimes retained around home-

steads. Can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Common.

EMARKS: C. abyssinica is a very popular vegetable in Iringa Region. However, the

use of pounded seeds of Cannabis sativa as an important cooking ingredient in

preparing the mkalifya vegetable dish is problematic because Cannabis sativa

is a prohibited drug plant in Tanzania.

181

THE SPECIES

Caylusea abyssinica Resedaceae

Enlarged views of fruit

Stem section

Enlarged one-sided flower

A single and a divided petal

182

THE SPECIES

Celosia trigyna Amaranthaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Funga-msanga; Chagga: Mrowe; Hehe: Lifweni likomi;

Luguru: Songoro-malidadi; Matengo: Libonongo, Ndewele; Ngoni:

Libonongo, Ndewele; Pare: Mbwete; Sambaa: Funga-msanga, Saza; Swahili:

Mchicha pori; Tongwe: Mfungu.

ESCRIPTION: An annual herb, erect and simple or branching from the base, from

30 cm to over 1 m, the stems often green-red, striped. LEAVES: Alternate and

simple, narrow to broad oval, 2–8 cm long x 1–4 cm wide, the edges quite

rough and the blade running down into a slender 5 cm stalk. Upper and branch

leaves often smaller. Most leaves fall as the fruit matures. FLOWERS: Each

flower tiny, 2.5 mm, with pink-white sepals and red anthers, but the ter-

minal head is 20 cm long, with widely spaced clusters to 2 cm across, male

and female flowers together. FRUIT: Tiny ovoid capsules contain shiny black

seeds.

COLOGY: Widespread at low altitudes as a weed of abandoned or cultivated land,

forest clearings, along woodland paths and roadsides, in grassland with short

grass, doing well in damp ground by rivers, 0–1,500 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Found throughout tropical Africa; widespread in Tanzania, Kenya,

Uganda, Namibia and from the southern part of the Arabian peninsular.

SES:

Food:

Leaves are used as vegetables. Tender leaves are mixed with other veg-

etables (e.g. pumpkin leaves), cooked, coconut milk or cooking oil added and

eaten with rice or ugali.

Commercial: Sold in local markets.

Other: The plant is used as fodder for rabbits and as an ornamental.

EASON: Leaves are collected during the rainy season, i.e. November–June.

TORAGE: Can be dried in the sun and stored for up to six months.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not cultivated or protected by local people,

but can be propagated by seed.

STATUS: Common.

EMARKS: Two other Celosia species are also used as vegetables:

1. C. argentea (Luguru: Songoro-malidadi; Sambaa: Funga-mizinga) is an an-

nual herb, 30–180 cm high, which is widespread in Tanzania, Kenya and

Uganda. It is also common throughout tropical Africa, also in Namibia, South

Africa, Madagascar, the southern part of the Arabian peninsular, Madeira and

Florida in the USA.

2. C. schweinfurthiana (Bendi: Tebwa; Luguru: Songoro-malidadi; Sambaa:

183

THE SPECIES

Yang’andu; Zigua: Funfu) is a herb up to 15 cm high; sometimes occurs as a

climber up to 5 m on other plants. It is very similar in appearance to C. trigyna.

It is widespread in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. It is also found in Angola,

Ethiopia, Sudan and in the Congo basin.

Celosia trigyna (contd) Amaranthaceae

C. argentea

Flower section and one

tepal much enlar ged

C. schweinfurthiana

184

THE SPECIES

Ceratotheca sesamoides Pedaliaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Mlenda; Hehe: Chambata, Mgambata; Nyamwezi: Mlenda-

gwa-mbata, Mlenda-gwa-tyege; Nyasa: Chitelelu; Sambaa: Mlenda; Sandawi:

Betabeta; Swahili: Mlenda mbata.

ESCRIPTION: A small hairy annual herb, erect to 90 cm or along the ground.

LEAVES: Usually opposite, variable in shape, the lower leaves triangular–

ovate, up to 8 cm long by 4.5 cm across, tip pointed, toothed or lobed at the

base, hairy and glandular below, on a hairy stalk to 6 cm, upper leaves

much narrower with only a few teeth. FLOWERS: Pink-lilac-mauve-pur-

ple, tubular, to 4 cm long, the throat and larger lower lip often cream

with darker lines, all solitary in leaf axils, almost stalkless, 5 narrow

hairy calyx lobes. FRUIT: A hairy capsule, oblong, flattened, about 2 cm

long with 2 horns, but not always clear, containing numerous dark seeds.

COLOGY: A weed of cultivation and wasteland near villages on sandy soils, 800–

1,600 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Common in Tanzania, excluding northern and southern highlands.

Found in Uganda and Kenya. It is also found in West Africa, Sudan, Mozam-

bique, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

SES:

Food:

– Leaves are collected, wilted in the sun, cooked alone or mixed with other

vegetables such as peas or amaranth, groundnut paste added and eaten

with ugali as the staple.

– Leaves are dried in the sun with those of peas or amaranth and pounded.

The vegetable powder is then boiled into a thick paste, mixed with ground-

nut paste and eaten with ugali.

Medicinal:

– Leaves eaten as a vegetable act as a laxative.

– Leaves are soaked in warm water and used as a lubricant by women during

labour in order to hasten childbirth. The resulting slippery liquid is applied

on the walls of the birth canal to facilitate passage of the baby.

Commercial: Sold in local markets.

Other: The plant is used as an ornamental and hair lubricant (leaf powder).

EASON: Leaves are collected during the rainy season, December–May, but can be

collected throughout the year where soil-moisture and fertility conditions are

sufficient for growth.

TORAGE: Leaves are dried and stored before or after being pounded.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, but can be propagated from seed.

TATUS: Common within its habitat.

185

THE SPECIES

Ceratotheca sesamoides Pedaliaceae

Leafy shoot with flowers and fruit

Flower

Flower opened

Fruit capsule

Capsule open to

show seeds

186

THE SPECIES

Chenopodium opulifolium Chenopodiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Round-leaved goosefoot; Gogo: Mfungulo; Hehe:

Nyalufungulo; Sambaa: Kapugutilo, Lushemu.

ESCRIPTION: A grey-mealy erect annual or short-lived perennial herb, the branches

spreading, often woody below, 60–150 cm high. Mealy on all young parts with

grey-white swollen hairs. No aromatic smell. LEAVES: The small alternate,

stalked leaves of the upper stem have rounded lobes, wavy, even-toothed

edges, diamond to oval in shape, 1–4 cm long. Lower leaves are larger, nearly

as broad as long, to 5 cm. FLOWERS: Tiny flowers, only 1 mm, grow in a

large, dense, rounded terminal head—normally very grey-mealy—which

has rounded clusters of grey-green flowers, no leaves. FRUIT: Small capsules

contain tiny black seeds. Capsules are surrounded by the dry, enlarged flower

parts.

COLOGY: A widespread weed of cultivation and around settlements, at roadsides

and on waste ground, 800–2,100 m.

DISTRIBUTION: From Europe and the Mediterranean region, eastwards to India.

This weed is found throughout eastern Africa, south to Angola. Found in all

parts of Tanzania.

SES:

Food:

Leaves are cooked in a mixture with other vegetables such as cowpeas, Bidens

or Cleome and eaten with ugali, rice or potatoes.

Medicinal: The roots are boiled and the decoction drunk as an emetic. Leaves

are used in a steam bath to treat fever and colds.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used as an ornamental and for fodder.

EASON: Leaves are collected during the rainy season between December and May.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not cultivated but can easily be propagated

by seed.

STATUS: Common.

187

THE SPECIES

Chenopodium opulifolium Chenopodiaceae

Clusters of tiny fruit capsules

188

THE SPECIES

Chytranthus obliquinervis Sapindaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Digo: Mpwakapwaka.

ESCRIPTION: A tree, usually 2–6 m (15 m) with a mostly unbranched trunk

topped by a crown of very large pinnate leaves. BARK: Grey-brown,

smooth or somewhat wrinkled. LEAVES: Alternate, with 7–12 pairs of leaf-

lets, opposite or alternate, around a long stalk 35–100 cm, lower leaf-

lets smaller, down to 2 cm long, while the largest upper leaflets reach

to 45 cm, each one oval and wider towards the shortly pointed tip, base nar-

rowed to a swollen stalk about 1 cm, leaflets stiff, the midrib sunken above, a

few simple hairs on the lower veins. Leaf buds purplish and young leaves

the same colour and drooping down. FLOWERS: Small, in clusters along

spike-like heads 5–15 cm, which grow out directly from the old wood of

the lower trunk or branches near ground level to just below the leaves.

Buds cream, 5 sepals softly hairy, pale green, the 4 petals white-yellow-green,

oblong to 5 mm, 8 stamens and a 3-lobed ovary. FRUIT: A 3-lobed drupe

which does not split open, softly hairy at first, some longer white hairs.

COLOGY: Lowland evergreen forest on sand and coral, evergreen rainforest or

moist riverine forest, 0–900 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in the East Usambara mountains in Tanzania and in coastal

forests of Kenya.

USES:

Food:

Fruit are edible. Ripe fruit are collected and eaten raw as a snack.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is hard and tough and used for firewood, poles, snare traps,

pegs and charcoal.

EASON: Fruit are collected from May to June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not cultivated but can be propagated from

seed.

TATUS: Listed among rare species in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants.

EMARKS: The species is endemic to East Africa, found only in the East Usambaras

and along the coast in Kenya.

189

THE SPECIES

Chytranthus obliquinervis Sapindaceae

T wo large leaflets

Flower heads on old stem

190

THE SPECIES

Cissus cornifolia Vitaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Wild grape; Nyamwezi: Mpangamwaka, Mtandamwaka.

ESCRIPTION: An erect shrub to 2 m, or a scrambler arising from a large swol-

len, fire-resistant rootstock, sometimes watery. The thick hairy shoots have

very swollen nodes, stems woody at the base, all parts with few to many red-

brown hairs. Tendrils absent. LEAVES: Simple, membranous, oval to 9 cm

long, tip rounded or blunt, edge toothed, underside red hairy, especially

on veins, stalk very hairy to 1 cm, small round stipules having a fringed edge.

FLOWERS: Very small, 4 hooded petals, green-yellow-cream, triangular 2

mm, flowers appearing well before the leaves in stalked clusters, 2–10

cm across, opposite the leaves, on a woody stem, flower buds hairless,

conical, each flower stalk hairless. FRUIT: Red-purple-black, smooth hair-

less berries about 1 cm, juicy when ripe, containing one seed; very many, in

stalked bunches.

COLOGY: Brachystegia woodland, thickets, grasslands, often on granite outcrops,

sometimes on black soil, occasionally found in cultivated land, 100–1,500 m.

Conspicuous growth is noted after bush fires.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania, e.g. in Tabora, Kigoma, Shinyanga,

Mwanza, Rukwa, Iringa and Lindi Regions; Kenya, Uganda, West Africa, Cen-

tral Africa and south to Botswana and South Africa.

SES:

Food:

Fruit are edible. Ripe fruit, which resemble grapes and are borne in large

clusters, are eaten raw by squeezing the fruit into the mouth, swallowing

the sweet pulpy seeds and discarding the outer skin.

Medicinal:

– The rootstock is used as medicine for stomach-ache.

– Roots are used to treat hernia and bilharzia.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used as an ornamental and as a source of bee forage.

EASON: Fruit are collected during the dry season, September–December.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not cultivated but can be propagated by

seed and suckers.

STATUS: Common.

EMARKS: A favourite wild grape for children and herdsmen. C. quarrei

(Nyamwezi: Mtanda-mwaka; Swahili: Mzabibu mwitu) is another wild vine

which has edible fruit. It is an erect herb or a climber up to 1 m high, found in

191

THE SPECIES

Dodoma, Singida, Rukwa and Iringa Regions. It is also found in Zambia and in

the Congo basin.

Cissus cornifolia (contd) Vitaceae

Fruiting branch

Bud and flower with petals removed

Fruit

192

THE SPECIES

Cleome hirta Capparidaceae (Capparaceae)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Nyausako; Gogo: Mhilile; Hehe: Mhilili, Nyausako;

Nyamwezi: Kakunguni; Sandawi: Kekeneka.

ESCRIPTION: A bushy herb with erect, much-branched stem, to 1.5 m, an annual

or short-lived perennial, stem sticky, densely covered with glandular hairs

and stalked glands, also found on other plant parts. LEAVES: Alternate, com-

pound, like fingers of a hand (digitate) with 5–7 narrow leaflets, each 1–

5 cm, sparse to densely hairy on a short stalk. FLOWERS: Pink-purple, to 1.2

cm, on a leafy stem 10–30 cm, crowded towards the tip, with persistent bracts,

narrow and pointed; 4 petals and 10–12 stamens, the ovary only shortly

stalked. FRUIT: A glandular capsule 6–12 cm long, splitting down the mid-

dle to set free many 2-mm ridged seeds.

COLOGY: Disturbed areas in dry savanna grassland, particularly along roadsides.

A farm weed and common near cattle enclosures; grows in shallow red clay

loams, 0–1,800 m; rainfall 600–1,700 mm.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in east, central and southern Africa. Found in low and

medium altitudes of Tanzania.

SES:

Food:

The young shoots are collected, wilted, chopped and cooked alone or with

other vegetables such as peas or amaranth and then served with a staple.

Medicinal:

– The leaves are eaten to reduce hypertension.

– Roots and leaves are boiled and used as medicine for measles.

Commercial: Not marketed.

EASON: Young shoots are collected in the early rains.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by local peo-

ple but can be propagated from seed.

STATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

Remarks: A common weed of farms.

193

THE SPECIES

Cleome hirta Capparidaceae (Capparaceae)

Fruit capsule

194

THE SPECIES

Cleome monophylla Capparidaceae (Capparaceae)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Hehe: Nyakamage.

ESCRIPTION: An annual herb, 1 m, erect or spreading, usually fewer branches

than C. hirta but very variable; stems, fruit and leaves hairy with a mixture of

short sticky hairs and longer hairs without glands. LEAVES: Characteristic,

simple, long and narrow, 1.4–7 cm, hairy both sides, upper leaves crowded,

clasping the stem. FLOWERS: On terminal stalks to 30 cm, mauve-pink, 4

tiny sepals and 6 stamens. FRUIT: Narrow spindle-shaped capsule, 3–8

cm, on a short stalk or none, containing numerous small flat seeds.

COLOGY: Common in moist Hyparrhenia grasslands, deciduous woodland,

bushlands, lake shores, and as a weed of cultivation and on disturbed ground.

It does well in low- and medium-altitudes, 30–2,100 m; rainfall 700–1,200 mm.

Prefers red sandy loams and yellowish sandy sediments, although it tolerates a

wide range of soils.

ISTRIBUTION: Occurs in India and Africa. Widespread in Tanzania and other parts

of East Africa, Sudan, West Africa and South Africa.

SES:

Food:

Leaves are chopped and cooked on their own, or together with beans and

peas. As they are slightly toxic, it is advisable to eat them a day after cooking

to allow for the toxic enzymes to break down.

EASON: Collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local peo-

ple. It can be propagated by seed.

STATUS: Common.

EMARKS: It has been reported that in Nigeria the finely ground leaf is used for

removing irritating particles from the eye.

195

THE SPECIES

Cleome monophylla Capparidaceae (Capparaceae)

Flower

Fruit capsule

196

THE SPECIES

Coccinia grandis Cucurbitaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Ivy gourd, Scarlet gourd; Gogo: Lyungulyungu; Maasai:

Enkaiserariai, Ndegegeya, Olamposhi; Nyamwezi: Lyungu-lya-nzoka;

Swahili: Mboga mwitu; Sandawi: Kóbá.

ESCRIPTION: A perennial climber to 20 m, from a tuberous rootstock, young stems

green, angular, dotted white when older, soon becoming woody with thin, grey-

brown papery or corky bark. LEAVES: Broad oval to rounded in outline, 3-

5 lobed, variable, often broader than long, 4–10 cm, with glands at the

base of the midrib below, base cordate, roughly warty below, edge some-

times wavy with red glandular teeth. Simple tendrils. FLOWERS: Sexes on

different plants, corolla bell shaped, orange-yellow, petal lobes longer

than the tube. Female flowers 2–3 cm, solitary on stalks about 2 cm. Male

flowers smaller, 2 or more, the anthers joined in the flower centre, petal lobes

often green veined, red tipped. FRUIT: Smooth and egg shaped, thin

skinned, to 6 cm long, 3.5 cm across, green with white markings, red

when ripe, leaving a green area around the stalk.

COLOGY: Secondary regrowth in highlands and at medium altitudes, 0–2,000 m;

rainfall 1,000–1,600 mm. Often associated with Arundinaria alpina. Tolerates

a wide variety of soils.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in the Arabian peninsular, tropical Asia from Pakistan to

China, tropical Australia and Fiji. Also introduced in the West Indies and tropi-

cal South America. In Africa, found from Senegal to Somalia and in East Af-

rica. Widespread in Tanzania.

SES:

Food:

– The ripe red fruit is collected, peeled and cut into small pieces and mixed

with porridge.

– Ripe fruit are eaten raw.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used for fodder.

EASON: The fruit are collected in June–August.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, but can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: C. adoensis (Bena: Tambalanjoka; Hehe: Nyayambo), a related species,

also has edible fruit. It is a creeping or climbing herb up to 3 m, found in most

parts of Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. Also found in Nigeria, eastwards to

Ethiopia and south to Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and South Africa.

197

THE SPECIES

Coccinia grandis Cucurbitaceae

Flower

Tendril

Fruit

C. adoensis

Fruit

198

THE SPECIES

Coffea eugenioides Rubiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Sambaa: Kikwandie; Swahili: Mkahawa mwitu.

ESCRIPTION: Usually a shrub, but may become a small tree, 1–4.5 m. BARK: Shiny,

light brown. LEAVES: Opposite, long oval, 2–12 cm with a long pointed tip,

dull or slightly shiny above, veins raised both sides, base narrowed to a

stalk to 7 mm. Interpetiolar stipules triangular with a fine tip to 3 mm.

FLOWERS: Cream-white, tubular, to 1 cm with 5 pointed lobes 5–12 mm;

usually only 1–2 flowers in a leaf axil, stalks to 6 mm. FRUIT: A 2-seeded

drupe, 8–10 mm long, with a ripe red soft skin, the fruit stalk 2–5 cm long.

Seeds yellow-green-brown, to 8 mm long.

COLOGY: Found in the under-storey vegetation in forests, 1,000–2,100 m; rainfall

800–2,100 mm. Thrives in sandy clay loams and sandy loams, but tolerates a

wide range of soil types.

ISTRIBUTION: In Tanzania, this species is found in Minziro Forest in Kagera Re-

gion and Mahali Forest in Rukwa Region. Also occurs in Kenya, Uganda, Su-

dan and in the Congo basin.

SES:

Food:

The ripe red fruit are collected from the shrub and eaten as a snack, mostly

by children. Eaten frequently in moderate amounts.

Beverage: Seeds are ground and used as coffee.

Commercial: It has been sold in local markets.

Other: The wood is used for poles, firewood and tool handles. The tree is suit-

able for shade and as an ornamental.

EASON: Fruit are collected in June–July and December–January.

TORAGE: Boiled fruit may be dried and stored for use later.

ANAGEMENT: Collected in the wild, but has also been cultivated using nursery

seedlings.

STATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: A promising wild coffee which should be developed. This species has

been cultivated on trial at Amani Botanic Garden in Tanga Region.

199

THE SPECIES

Coffea eugenioides Rubiaceae

One flower

Fruiting branch

Long-pointed leaf tip

200

THE SPECIES

Coffea mufindiensis Rubiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Wild coffee; Hehe: Kahawa-msitu, Mkahawa-musitu,

Mpacha; Sambaa: Kikwandie; Swahili: Mkahawa mwitu.

DESCRIPTION: An evergreen shrub or small tree 0.5–4.5 m, mature stems evenly

hairy (not in lines). BARK: On very young branches hairy, pale grey-brown.

LEAVES: Opposite, narrow oval and small, 2–6 cm, crowded together,

papery to stiff, usually dull above, drying grey-green-brown, edges often wavy

or crinkly, side veins clear on both sides, shortly stalked to 5 mm, stipules 2–7

mm, triangular with a fine point. FLOWERS: White, sometimes reddish in bud,

tubular to 6 mm, with 5 oblong petals to 1 cm, 1–2 together, shortly stalked,

in leaf axils, the calyx limb 2.5 mm, shorter than the disc, 2 bracteoles at

the base with very small lobes. FRUIT: Orange-red oval berries to 1 cm

long, sometimes with a few hairs, on stalks 2–8 mm, containing 2 pale brown

seeds.

COLOGY: Found in moist forest from 1,600 to 2,100 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Endemic to Tanzania; found in central, eastern and southern high-

lands, e.g. around Mpwapwa, Ulanga and Iringa.

USES:

Food:

Berries are collected and eaten raw as a snack, especially by children and

herdsmen.

Beverage: Seeds are roasted, ground and used for coffee.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for poles, fuelwood, pegs, withies and tool handles.

The tree is suitable for shade, hedges and as an ornamental.

EASON: Fruit are collected from April to June.

TORAGE: Dried seeds can be stored for more than a year.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by the local

people. This species can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Common within its habitat.

EMARKS: This wild coffee has a potential for cultivation and breeding.

201

THE SPECIES

Coffea mufindiensis Rubiaceae

T ubular corolla

Fruit and seeds

Stipule

202

THE SPECIES

Cola scheffleri Sterculiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Msamaka; Sambaa: Msamaka, Msasami.

ESCRIPTION: A tall evergreen tree 8–20 m, lightly or much branched to an oblong

or pyramid-shaped crown, the trunk to 60 cm across or more. Young shoots

red–purple–dull green, covered with dark brown star-shaped hairs. BARK: Grey-

brown, patchy, with inconspicuous close longitudinal lines. LEAVES: Alternate

or whorled, at the ends of branches, very variable in shape, simple or 3–4

lobed, sometimes very large, 7.5–23 cm long x 4–40 cm across, leaf lobes

with long pointed tips, the bases round to heart shaped, all papery to

stiff, shiny green above, midrib red-purple when young and prominent

with raised veins both sides, about 7–9 primary veins either side of the

midrib. A leaf stalk varying in length from 4 to 10 cm, brown-red-purple

and thickened just below the blade (pulvinus). FLOWERS: Sexes sepa-

rate, grow in dense clusters on old wood or beside leaves, no petals but dull

pink-brown sepals form softly hairy cups about 2 cm across, 4–8 lobes,

shortly stalked. Inside the cup a 1-cm stalk bears a ring of 5–12 anthers.

FRUIT: 2 free carpels of the female flowers become 2 orange-brown leath-

ery capsules 6 cm long (dry), splitting longitudinally to release a few large

seeds.

COLOGY: Ground-water forests, riverine and in evergreen montane rainforest.

Prefers open areas in forests, usually associated with dense undergrowth and

soils rich in humus.

ISTRIBUTION: Endemic to the Tanga Region of Tanzania (Amani, Segoma, Longuza

and Kwamkoro Forest Reserves).

USES:

Food:

Fruit are edible. The pulp of ripe fruit is sweet and eaten raw.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The tree is used for shade. The seeds contain the alkaloid caffeine and

are chewed as a stimulant.

EASON: Fruit are collected in May and June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by the local

people. The species can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Uncommon within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: This species is endemic to the east Usambara Mountains.

203

THE SPECIES

Cola scheffleri Sterculiaceae

Leathery capsules

Flower clusters on old wood

204

THE SPECIES

Combretum padoides Combretaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Thicket combretum; Sambaa: Msangate; Yao: Mkowatama;

Zigua: Mgona-nkolongo.

DESCRIPTION: A many-stemmed deciduous shrub or small tree, 1–12 m, often using

its long trailing branches to scramble into tall trees nearby. BARK: Rough,

dark brown-grey. LEAVES: Opposite, long oval 5–10 cm, rather thin and

papery, dull green with yellow veins and conspicuous hairs only on veins be-

low, tip rather long pointed, base narrowed to a thin stalk about 1 cm. FLOW-

ERS: White-cream-yellow, tiny, sweet-scented and often massed together,

usually on single, simple or branched loose spikes 3–10 cm, from the

axils of upper leaves (which may have fallen). FRUIT: 4–winged, rounded

to 2 cm diameter, very many together, pale yellow-green with golden scales,

drying light brown, wings 7–9 mm wide, sometimes reddish, on a stalk to 3

mm.

COLOGY: Riverine, coastal and swamp forests, also deciduous thickets, on rocky

hills, along escarpments in mixed woodlands, often forming thickets, 0–1,500

ISTRIBUTION: In most parts of Tanzania except the west, e.g. found in Pare and

Uluguru Mountains and around Lushoto and Morogoro; Kenya, the Congo

basin, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique and South Africa.

SES:

Food:

Tender leaves are collected, chopped up and cooked alone or with other veg-

etables such as peas or amaranth, pounded simsim or groundnut paste added

and then eaten with a staple.

Medicinal:

– Leaves are used as a remedy for snakebite and wounds.

– Roots are used to treat hookworm infection.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for poles, fuelwood, tool handles and pegs. The tree is

important as a source of bee forage.

EASON: Leaves are collected from October to December.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by the local

people.

TATUS: Locally common.

205

THE SPECIES

Combretum padoides Combretaceae

Flower head

Papery 4-winged fruits

206

THE SPECIES

Commelina africana Commelinaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Likolovega; Chagga: Ikengera, Mkole; Digo: Dzadza, Hehe:

Likolowoga; Matengo: Ndilia; Sambaa: Nkongo; Swahili: Kongwa.

ESCRIPTION: A very variable small herb growing in open sunny places, stems

trailing along the ground with some erect branches. Thickened fibrous

roots. LEAVES: Simple and alternate, entire, the veins all parallel, the base

sheathing the stem, up to 8 cm long x 2 cm wide. FLOWERS: A folded leafy

green spathe 2.5 cm, contains several yellow flowers growing singly. The

spathe is free to the base. Flowers small, about 8 mm, appearing one at a

time, soon collapsing, 3 petals, 2 large and 1 small. The spathe may have short

white or grey hairs. Sterile stamens “x” shaped. FRUIT: A small capsule con-

tains the seed, often only 1.

COLOGY: Secondary regrowth and disturbed areas, a weed on farms. Thrives in

sandy clay loams and sandy loams, up to 1,800 m; rainfall 900–1,900 mm.

DISTRIBUTION: Widespread in West Africa, east to the Sudan and East Africa and

south to Mozambique.

SES:

Food:

The leaves are collected, chopped and boiled in water or fresh or sour milk.

Simsim or groundnut paste is added. It is eaten with the staple and as a

substitute for more preferred vegetables.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: Leaves are palatable to livestock, especially pigs and rabbits. A source

of bee forage.

EASON: Leaves are collected in the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: It is collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by local

people.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: It is reported that in South Africa a root decoction is taken as a treatment

for STDs and for menstrual problems. The same preparation is also used for

pelvic pain and bladder complaints.

207

THE SPECIES

Commelina africana Commelinaceae

Spathe

Flowers

208

THE SPECIES

Commelina benghalensis Commelinaceae

Indigenous, cosmopolitan

OCAL NAMES: Chagga: Ikengera; Digo: Dzadza, English: Blue commelina; Hehe:

Likolowoga, Ngorowoga; Maasai: Enkaiteteyiai; Pare: Ikongwe; Sambaa:

Mkongo; Swahili: Mpovupovu.

ESCRIPTION: An annual herb, with long creeping succulent stems and ascending

jointed branches, rooting where nodes touch the ground, fibrous roots. LEAVES:

Oval and pointed to 7 cm, the leaf sheath clasping the stem often has reddish

or purple hairs to 3 mm long. Leaves are shortly stalked, oblique at the base.

FLOWERS: Boat-shaped leafy spathes are joined at least at the base, the

angle there less than 90 degrees, spathes crowded at the end of shoots on

stalks to 15 mm long. This spathe contains a clear liquid around the flower

buds. The fragile deep blue flowers have 2 large petals and 1 tiny petal, to

15 mm across, they stand up in the spathes but fade in a few hours. Staminodes

4-lobed. FRUIT: A 5-seeded capsule to 5 mm long contains ovoid seeds.

COLOGY: Common in disturbed areas, at forest edges, in homegardens and sec-

ondary regrowth. It does well at medium altitudes, up to 1,600 m; rainfall 1,000–

2,100 mm, but can withstand prolonged drought. Thrives in sandy loams, but

tolerates a wide range of soil types.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in India and Africa. From West Africa to Central and

East Africa and south to southern Africa, including Madagascar. Found in most

low- and medium-altitude areas of Tanzania.

SES:

Food:

Tender leaves and stems are chopped and cooked alone or with other veg-

etables such as Bidens pilosa or Cleome hirta. Then it is served with a staple,

i.e. ugali or rice.

Medicinal:

– The sap is used for treatment of eye ailments, sore throat and burns and

topical application for thrush in infants.

– Leaves are pounded and soaked in warm water and the solution is drunk to

treat diarrhoea.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: Leaves are palatable to livestock, especially pigs and rabbits. Flowers

provide bee forage.

EASON: Leaves are collected during the early flush of the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local peo-

ple. A very serious weed.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

209

THE SPECIES

REMARKS: Two other species of Commelina are used as a vegetable:

1. C. imberbis (Bondei: Nkongo; Chagga: Ikengera; Matengo: Lukolowa;

Sambaa: Nkongo; Tongwe: Lumpepete; Yao: Lukolowa; Zigua: Nkongo)

which is widespread in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, is used in the same way

as C. benghalensis.

2. C. latifolia (Bondei: Nkongo; Sambaa: Nkongo; Zigua: Nkongo) is also wide-

spread in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.

Commelina benghalensis (contd) Commelinaceae

C. benghalensis

C. imberbis

C. latifolia

Capsule

210

THE SPECIES

Commiphora africana Burseraceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Arusha: Osilalei; Barabaig: Naamo; Bende: Siponda; Bena: Mtono;

English: Poison-grub commiphora; Gogo: Msilale, Msomvugo; Gorowa: Niimo;

Iraqw: Backchandi, Niimo; Isanzu: Muzuhu; Luguru: Kologwe; Maasai:

Oloishimi; Mbugwe: Tundulu; Nyamwezi: Msagasi; Nyaturu: Mujuhu;

Rangi: Ibwebwe, Idaki, Ijovya, Iponde, Mpome; Swahili: Mbambara, Mkororo,

Mponda, Mturituri; Zinza: Mawezi.

ESCRIPTION: Usually a spiny shrub, but may become a tree to 10 m. Deciduous,

bare for many months. BARK: Grey-green, peeling to show green be-

low, when cut a yellowish gum drips out, branchlets thorn tipped.

LEAVES: Soft, hairy and bright green, compound with three leaflets, edge

wavy, fragrant when crushed, central leaflet much longer than the other

two. FLOWERS: Small, red, in tight clusters, often on thorns, on the bare tree.

FRUIT: Pink-red, soft, about 1 cm, pointed, stony seed inside.

COLOGY: It grows on rocky sites, clay or sand with minimal rainfall, typical of

much thorn bush in Tanzania and Kenya, open savanna and desert, 500–

1,900 m.

ISTRIBUTION: A shrub found in the driest areas all over Africa.

SES:

Food:

Swollen rootstock from young plants are dug up, peeled and chewed raw

like cassava. It is eaten by children and herdsmen.

Medicinal:

– Roots are collected and boiled in water and the decoction drunk as a remedy

for fever, leprosy and stomach-ache.

– Bark and roots are boiled and used as steam bath for fevers and colds.

– The bark is chewed or pounded then mixed with tobacco and applied on

snakebite. The resin is used for disinfecting wounds.

– Fruit are used for treating typhoid.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is soft and used for beehives, stools, domestic utensils and

wheels for carts. The tree is used as a live fence.

EASON: Rootstock collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by the local

people. It can be propagated from seed and cuttings.

TATUS: Common and easily available within its habitat.

211

THE SPECIES

Commiphora africana Burseraceae

Tiny flowers

Fruit

212

THE SPECIES

Commiphora mossambicensis Burseraceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Soft-leaved commiphora; Iraqw: Intiwi; Nyamwezi:

Mtonto; Nyaturu: Mutonto; Rangi: Ikwandaja; Swahili: Mponda.

DESCRIPTION: A much-branched deciduous tree to 10 m, branches stiff and crooked,

to a spreading crown up to 6 m. BARK: When young smooth and grey,

becoming rough, brown-yellow, bark peeling, sometimes with spines on the

trunk. A yellow gum oozes out if cut, becoming a hard clear resin. Leaf bases

persist on the bare tree. LEAVES: Usually with 3 leathery leaflets (up to 7), on

a hairy stalk about 11 cm, the leaflets broad oval to rounded, up to 8 cm

long, all stalked, shiny above, dull below, veins clear, sometimes hairy, es-

pecially lower midrib, and fine hairy edges to the leaflets. FLOWERS: Tiny,

yellow-green on axillary stalks, flowering with the first new leaves before

they are fully open. Branched flower stalks to 9 cm, with many male flow-

ers, buds tiny, round, the female flowers clustered on stalks to 3 cm (the flower

stalks sometimes have brown hairs), reflexed bud scales can be prominent.

FRUIT: A single-seeded soft drupe about 1 cm long when dry, with a pointed

tip. The fruit are often in dense rounded clusters.

COLOGY: Wooded grassland, open woodland, thickets, 400–1,600 m; rainfall 500–

800 mm.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in most parts of Tanzania except the Tanga area. Also occurs

in Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

USES:

Food:

Roots are edible. The thick rootstock of young trees are dug out, peeled and

eaten by herdsmen to quench thirst and hunger.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The tree is used as a live fence. The resin is used for sealing trays, and

carbon from half-burnt wood for making local gunpowder.

EASON: Rootstock are collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected only from the wild, not cultivated.

TATUS: Locally common.

213

THE SPECIES

Commiphora mossambicensis Burseraceae

Rootstock

Flowers

214

THE SPECIES

Convolvulus farinosus Convolvulaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Hehe: Nyakapulikilo, Nyapali.

ESCRIPTION: A perennial herb, the stem twining or growing along the

ground, with long silky hairs when young. LEAVES: The simple blade trian-

gular or oval to 6 cm, shortly hairy, about 3.5 cm across, the base deeply

notched to a thin stalk about 4 cm, the edge with shallow round teeth. FLOW-

ERS: White, with some pink or purple, the tube less than 2 cm long, the 5

short lobes with hairy tips, about 1 cm across, on a thin stalk about 4 cm,

beside leaves, 1–6 flowers together, 5 stiff hairy sepals. FRUIT: A round

pale brown capsule, less than 1 cm across, containing about 4 black seeds.

COLOGY: Upland grasslands and in cultivated areas, 1,300–2,600 m.

ISTRIBUTION: In most highland parts of Tanzania including Arusha, Kilimanjaro,

Tanga, Iringa and Kagera Regions. Also found in Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia,

Eritrea, southwards to South Africa, Madagascar, the Mascarene Islands; also

in the western Mediterranean area.

SES:

Food:

Leaves are used as a vegetable. Young leaves are picked, cooked alone or

with other vegetables such as amaranth or cowpeas, coconut milk or pounded

groundnuts added and then eaten with ugali or rice.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used as an ornamental and for fodder.

EASON: Leaves are collected during the rainy season, December–May.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not cultivated but can be propagated from

seed.

TATUS: Easily accessible within its habitat.

EMARKS: A very troublesome weed in farms.

215

THE SPECIES

Convolvulus farinosus Convolvulaceae

Fruit capsules

Flowers

Seeds

216

THE SPECIES

Corchorus tridens Tiliaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Kibwando; Hehe: Kimulikwi-jike, Kimulikwi kidala;

Nyamwezi: Kaala, Mlenda-gwa-kala; Pare: Mlenda; Sambaa: Kibwando,

Sukuma: Bonani; Swahili: Mlenda.

ESCRIPTION: An erect or low-growing branched annual herb, about 45 cm, with

weak stems, a few or no hairs. Some parts may be red. LEAVES: Long oval,

about 7 cm, shortly stalked, the edge toothed, fine outgrowths at the base of

the blade. FLOWERS: 1–3 tiny bright yellow flowers beside leaves, 5 petals,

8–10 stamens, on stalks about 5 mm. FRUIT: Long green-brown smooth cap-

sules to 4 cm with 3 “horns” at the tip, splitting into 3 sections to release

small seeds.

COLOGY: Secondary regrowth in disturbed areas, thickets, forest edges and as a

weed in cultivated areas. It does well in low- and medium-altitude areas up to

1,500 m; rainfall 1,000–1,800 mm. Thrives in moist deep red and brown soils.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania. From West Africa to the Congo basin, East

Africa and the Sudan and south to southern Africa.

SES:

Food:

Leaves are collected, chopped and boiled together with other green vegetables

to improve their consistency and thicken soups. It is then eaten along with a

staple.

Commercial: It is sold in local markets.

EASON: Leaves are collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Leaves may be dried in the sun and then stored in a cool dry place for use

during the dry season or in famine periods.

ANAGEMENT: Not cultivated but collected from the wild.

TATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

217

THE SPECIES

Corchorus tridens Tiliaceae

Open ripe capsule

Leafy threads

Fruit capsules

218

THE SPECIES

Corchorus trilocularis Tiliaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Kibwando; Hehe: Likombe; Nyamwezi: Kala, Mlenda-

gwa-kala; Pare: Mlenda; Sambaa: Kibwando; Sandawi: Sagár; Swahili:

Mlenda.

ESCRIPTION: A much-branched herbaceous or woody annual; may have a few bristly

hairs, up to 90 cm, sometimes purplish. LEAVES: Oblong to narrow-oval, to

11.2 cm, the edge sharp- or soft-toothed with fine bristle-like stipules at the

leaf base. FLOWERS: Yellow, to 8 mm across, a few together in the leaf axil,

30–40 central stamens. FRUIT: A smooth capsule to 8.5 cm, only 2.5 mm

wide, with a short pointed tip, breaking into 3 or 4 sections to set free

tiny seeds.

COLOGY: Common as secondary regrowth after cultivation or in disturbed grass-

land. It occurs naturally in lowl- and medium-altitude areas up to 2,100 m;

rainfall 1,000–1,800 mm. Thrives in brown clay loams and black-cotton soil.

ISTRIBUTION: Found from West Africa to the Sudan and south to Botswana and

Angola. Widespread in Tanzania.

USES:

Food:

The leaves are collected, sun dried, chopped, and boiled together with beans,

peas, etc., in order to thicken the dish. It is eaten quite frequently with a

staple.

Commercial: Sold in local markets.

Other: Fodder for ruminants.

EASON: Collected from early in the rains up to middle of the rainy season.

ANAGEMENT: Only collected from the wild. Can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Common and easily accessible.

EMARKS: Several other Corchorus species found in Tanzania are used as vegeta-

bles, including:

1. C. fascicularis (Bondei: Kibwando; Hehe: Nyaluhanga; Nyamwezi: Kala,

Mlenda-gwa-kala; Swahili: Mlenda; Zigua: Kibwando) a sub-erect herb up to

40 cm high with yellow flowers found in Kagera, Kilimanjaro and Pwani Re-

gions.

2. C. pseudocapsularis (Hehe: Kimulkwi, Kimulikwi kigosi; Nyamwezi: Kaala;

Swahili: Mlenda) an annual herb about 60 cm high with bright yellow flow-

ers. It is found in most Regions of Tanzania including Kilimanjaro, Arusha,

Iringa, Morogoro and Dar es Salaam.

219

THE SPECIES

Corchorus trilocularis Tiliaceae

C. pseudocapularis

Capsules

Split capsule

One flower enlarged

Bristly fruit

220

THE SPECIES

Cordia monoica Boraginaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Arusha: Oseki; English: Sandpaper tree; Gogo: Mdawi, Msenha;

Gorowa: Bagharimo; Hehe: Msena, Msowowi; Iraqw: Bagalmo; Kuria:

Bagharimo, Mushenhu; Maasai: Eseki, Ilseki, Isek, Oltiaska, Oseki; Mbugwe:

Motoasi-mwerema, Mwerema; Nyamwezi: Mlembu; Nyaturu: Mongoongo;

Pare: Mshasha; Rangi: Msasa, Msasha; Sambaa: Magamosi, Mshasa;

Sandawi: Tipa, Tipan; Sukuma: Nembu; Swahili: Msasa; Zinza: Museno.

ESCRIPTION: A multi-stemmed shrub or tree to 6 m, occasionally reaching 12 m.

BARK: Blue-grey, thin and fibrous, peeling in strips—resembling Euca-

lyptus. LEAVES: Broadly oval to almost round, 5–8 cm, margin slightly toothed,

upper surface like sandpaper to touch but softly hairy below with promi-

nent veins, a stalk to 2 cm. Branchlets, leaf and flower stalks densely

covered with rusty hairs. FLOWERS: Pale yellow, sharply fragrant, in dense

terminal clusters, each flower tubular, about 1 cm across, calyx hairy and per-

sistent. FRUIT: Oval, pointed, yellow-orange and soft when ripe, about 2 cm

long, held in a hairy cup-like calyx which loosely covers one-third of

the fruit; the single seed lies in jelly-like edible pulp.

COLOGY: This Cordia species grows from Ethiopia to central and southern Africa.

It is found in many habitats from wet or riverine forest to woodland and bush

with Acacia–Euphorbia or grassland, from the coast to 1,800 m and in all areas

of Tanzania except the cool highlands.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Africa from the Congo basin eastwards to Ethiopia,

Kenya, Uganda and southwards to South Africa, Angola and Namibia. Also in

India, Sri Lanka and Mauritius. Common in most parts of Tanzania, e.g. in

Dodoma and Morogoro Regions.

SES:

Food:

Fruit are edible. Ripe fruit are collected and eaten raw as a snack. They are

sweet and liked by children and herdsmen.

Medicinal:

– Leaves are used as medicine to treat eye diseases.

– The leaves and stem bark are used to treat leprosy using a steam bath, and

the body can also washed with a decoction made from pounded bark.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is tough and used for building poles, firewood, bows, withies,

walking sticks, clubs and pestles. The leaves are very rough and used as

sandpaper. Also used as an ornamental tree and is a source of bee forage.

EASON: Fruit are collected during the dry season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

221

THE SPECIES

MANAGEMENT: Only collected from the wild but can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Locally common.

EMARKS: Known to be cultivated in Mauritius.

Cordia monoica (contd) Boraginaceae

Flowers enlarged

Fruit

222

THE SPECIES

Cordia sinensis (C. gharaf) Boraginaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Grey-leaved cordia, Grey-leaved saucer berry; Fiome:

Baghalmo-lambi; Gogo: Mdawi, Mdawi-sogwe; Gorowa: Hanarmo; Hehe:

Mdawi; Iraqw: Bagalimo, Funidang, Hararmo; Maasai: Oldorko, Oldurgo,

Ololfot; Ololgot; Mbugwe: Mochocho; Nyamwezi: Mlembu, Mnembu;

Nyaturu: Mdumwa-kiguu; Pare: Mpololo; Rangi: Mnembu; Sandawi:

Angweegwee; Swahili: Mkamasi, Mnya mate.

ESCRIPTION: A tangled deciduous shrub or multi-branched tree 3–12 m, often with

drooping branches. BARK: Young bark smooth, grey-white, later yellow-brown

to black, roughly grooved. LEAVES: Grey-green, narrowly oblong to 9 cm

long, feel rough to touch but hairs both sides, tip rounded or notched, on a

stalk about 1 cm. Leaves more or less opposite. FLOWERS: Tubular and

small, fragrant, in cream terminal clusters, on hairy, branched stalks. FRUIT:

Ovoid, to 2 cm, clearly tipped, held in a calyx cup, orange-red, like egg yolk,

with very sticky edible pulp around 1–4 tiny seeds. The calyx has a toothed

edge and covers about one-third of the fruit.

COLOGY: Scrubland and grasslands in drier areas of the country up to 1,500 m;

rainfall 600–1,000 mm. Grows in black and red sandy soils.

DISTRIBUTION: Common in Yemen, India and in Africa from West Africa to Ethiopia

and south to Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Also in Israel, Jordan, Pakistan and

Sri Lanka. Occurs in all parts of Tanzania.

SES:

Food:

The tiny orange-red fruit are sweet and are eaten as a snack, especially by

children while grazing animals. Often added to porridge instead of sugar.

Medicinal:

– Roots are used to induce abortion. About 3 pieces of root the size of a finger

when chewed are said to be sufficient for this. A decoction of the root and

bark is used to treat stomach disorders. Roots are boiled and the decoction

used for treatment of malaria.

– A decoction of the root and bark is used to treat conjunctivitis in cattle.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is hard and used for roofing, construction of local houses, tool

handles, walking sticks, clubs and fuelwood. The tree is used for shade and as

an ornamental and for fodder. Fruit are eaten by monkeys, baboons and birds.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected by the local people, but can

be propagated from seed. However, seeds are very difficult to germinate.

STATUS: Locally common.

223

THE SPECIES

Cordia sinensis (C. gharaf) Boraginaceae

Fruit

224

THE SPECIES

Cordyla africana Caesalpiniaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Chagga: Mbachanga, Mpachama, Mroma; English: Wild mango;

Gogo: Mkwata; Hehe: Mkwata; Luguru: Mgwata; Mwera: Mtondo, Ntondo;

Ngindo: Mndundu; Sambaa: Mgwata; Swahili: Mgwata, Mroma, Mtigonzi,

Mumbwe, Mvoo.

ESCRIPTION: A large spreading deciduous tree 9–25 m tall with rounded crown.

BARK: Greyish brown and rough, thick and grooved. LEAVES: Alternate, com-

pound, with 11–28 pairs of leaflets plus a terminal leaflet, each one oblong to

2.5 cm, dark green with a short hairy stalk. Held up to the light, unusual

clear dots and streaks can be seen. FLOWERS: Semi-spherical heads of

yellow-orange stamens up to 2.5 cm long on branched stalks. They appear

in axillary sprays or at axils with the new leaves in July–October. No petals but

sepals, ovary stalked. FRUIT: Unusual pods, yellow when ripe, oblong to

spherical, thin walled, about 6 cm long. The 3 flat seeds are contained in

fleshy pulp and appear in November–December. The sticky pulp smells like

beans.

COLOGY: Found in riverine vegetation and in forests with a high ground water-

table, swamp forests, at low altitudes in hot dry areas, 0–900 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Widespread in eastern and northern Tanzania, e.g. found in Kili-

manjaro, Morogoro and Lindi Regions as well as on Zanzibar; coastal Kenya,

Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe into South Africa.

SES:

Food:

– The fruit are edible. The fleshy pulp of ripe fruit is eaten fresh.

– Mature fruit may be cooked and the pulp eaten, while the seeds are dis-

carded.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The heartwood is brown and hard and is used for heavy construction,

sleepers, bridge timber, wooden spoons, drums and stools. The tree is used

for shade and is suitable for avenue planting.

EASON: Ripe fruit are collected during November and December.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Fruit are usually collected from the wild. The tree can be propagated

easily using fresh seeds.

TATUS: Occasional within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: The fruit are known to be rich in vitamin C.

225

THE SPECIES

Cordyla africana Caesalpiniaceae

Flowering branch

Ripe fruit

Seed

Fruit in section

226

THE SPECIES

Cordyla densiflora Caesalpiniaceae

Indigenous [Plate 1]

OCAL NAMES: Gogo: Mkwata; Hehe: Mkwata; Kaguru: Mkwata.

ESCRIPTION: A small or large deciduous tree, 4–10 m, the bole often short, much

branched to a rounded, bushy spreading crown. BARK: Smooth, pale grey to

pale brown. LEAVES: Compound, odd pinnate on a stalk 9–21 cm, the 5–9

pairs of alternate leaflets plus one at the tip, often small, oval 2–3.5 cm long,

tip rounded or notched, pale grey-green, no hairs or few, often small

curly hairs below, especially along the midrib, base rounded. FLOW-

ERS: Conspicuous when the cream flowers appear on the bare tree. Flowers in

dense, crowded clusters near the ends of leafless branches or on short side

branches to 2 cm long. No petals, a rounded cup-like green calyx at the

base splits into 3–5 lobes as the flowers open to reveal 50–60 green-white

stamens with pale yellow anthers. FRUIT: Green, rounded but one-sided,

the tip beaked, to 6.5 cm long when fresh (to 5 cm if dry), on a short stalk,

containing 1–6 seeds embedded in pulp, seeds large and thin walled.

COLOGY: Deciduous woodland and dry Commiphora–Acacia bushland or savanna

with small trees, 800–1,300 m.

DISTRIBUTION: C. densiflora is known to occur only Iringa and Dodoma Regions,

thus is endemic in Tanzania.

USES:

Food:

– The pulp of ripe fruit is juicy and eaten raw as a snack but has an unpleas-

ant odour.

– Mature fruit are collected and eaten after cooking.

Medicinal:

– A solution of pounded leaves, hot water and salt is allowed to cool until luke-

warm. The solution is then used as an enema to treat severe constipation.

– To treat burns, ground charcoal made from the wood is mixed with sheep fat

and smeared on the wound.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used to make beehives, drums, stools, grain mortars, poles

and pestles. The tree is also used as a live fence.

EASON: Ripe fruit are collected from October to February.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Usually collected from the wild, but can be propagated using seeds

and cuttings.

TATUS: Listed among the rare species in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants.

EMARKS: Hehe children call it Miembe dasi, i.e. “wild mango”.

227

THE SPECIES

Cordyla densiflora Caesalpiniaceae

Fruit and section

Flower head

One flower

Fruit

228

THE SPECIES

Crotalaria natalitia var. natalitia Papilionaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Hehe: Nyangasi; Nyamwezi: Mchekecheke; Nzegenzege; Swahili:

Marejea.

ESCRIPTION: A perennial woody herb or erect shrub, the stiff branches covered

with short dense hairs. LEAVES: 3–5 leaflets, often crowded on short shoots,

each leaflet narrow oblong or wider at the tip, which has a small point or is

blunt, 0.8–4 cm long x 1 cm wide, hairy below, bases narrowed to a long stalk.

A pair of narrow pointed unequal stipules at the nodes. FLOWERS: Yel-

low, turning orange-red, in short, dense heads, the standard petal almost

circular, over 1 cm long, red-brown outside, the lower keel well rounded about

the middle, to 15 mm long including a beak, white woolly hairs along the

upper edges. FRUIT: Pod inflated, broadly cylindrical and hairless, 2–4

cm, green mottled dark green and blue-black, containing 25–40 small dark

brown seeds with a tiny white aril.

COLOGY: A plant of forest edges, bushland, wooded or open grassland, roadsides,

riverine forest, sometimes on cultivated ground, 0–3,000 m.

DISTRIBUTION: In most parts of Tanzania including Zanzibar, but excluding the

central areas; Kenya, Uganda, eastern Congo basin, Ethiopia, Mozambique,

Malawi, Zimbabwe, south to KwaZulu-Natal.

SES:

Food:

– Tender leaves are chopped, washed and cooked with pounded groundnuts

or coconut milk and served with a staple (ugali or rice).

– Tender leaves are washed, pounded and dried in the sun. The dried veg-

etable, known as nsansa in Nyamwezi, is soaked in hot water, then boiled

and pounded groundnuts added. The vegetable is then ready for eating with

ugali or rice.

Commercial: Sold in local markets.

Other: The plant is used as an ornamental and for green manure.

EASON: Leaves are collected during the rainy season, from December to April.

TORAGE: Leaves can be dried, pounded and stored in airtight containers.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild but can easily be propagated using seed.

TATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: Many species of Crotalaria found in Tanzania are edible, but they need

further identification.

229

THE SPECIES

Crotalaria natalitia var. natalitia Papilionaceae

Inflated pods

Keel petal

Flower enlarged

230

THE SPECIES

Cucumis dipsaceus Cucurbitaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Lisapi; English: Teasel gourd; Gogo: Utumbu; Luguru:

Hunduhundu; Maasai: Eng’alayioi-naju, Orng’alayoi-loo-sirkon; Nyamwezi:

Googo, Kasasalya, Katanga; Swahili: Mtango mwitu.

ESCRIPTION: An annual climber or trailing herb, with grey-green angular stems

covered with bristly spreading hairs, almost prickly, mostly on the stem

ridges. LEAVES: Simple or with 3 shallow wide lobes, all rounded, kid-

ney to heart shaped in outline, 18–95 mm long x 27–102 mm wide, the edge

regularly closely toothed, rough hairy above and on nerves below, a hairy

stalk about 10 cm long. FLOWERS: Male and female, both small, yellow-green,

tubular, with pale yellow petals and green veins, about 1 cm long. FRUIT:

Oval to 6 cm x 4 cm, pale green turning yellow when ripe, densely

covered with soft spines, each one ending in a clear bristle, many pointed

seeds inside the soft fruit pulp.

COLOGY: Common in dry bushland, especially in disturbed woodland and wooded

grassland, and a weed of cultivation, 400–1,800 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in Tanga Region and in northern and western parts of Tan-

zania as well as in the southern highlands; Uganda, Kenya; sometimes culti-

vated in other tropical regions.

SES:

Food:

– Tender leaves and young shoots are chopped, cooked, coconut milk or ground-

nut paste added and served with a staple.

– Tender leaves are dried in the sun and then pounded into powder. The powder

is then soaked in hot water, boiled and stirred. The vegetable is then ready

for eating with a staple.

Medicinal:

– Leaves and roots are pounded and used as a poultice to treat wounds.

– The juice from fruit is used as an antidote for poisoning, but it has to be

supplemented by drinking fresh milk.

Commercial: Sold in local markets.

Other: Leaves and fruit are used for fodder.

EASON: Leaves are collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Dried and pounded leaves are stored in airtight containers.

ANAGEMENT: Usually collected from the wild, but can be easily propagated from

seed.

TATUS: Common and easily accessible within its habitat.

231

THE SPECIES

Cucumis dipsaceus Cucurbitaceae

Fruit and section

Tendrils

232

THE SPECIES

Cucumis figarei Cucurbitaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Hehe: Nyambede; Nyamwezi: Googo, Kasasalya, Katanga;

Nyiramba: Kishasae.

DESCRIPTION: A perennial climbing or trailing herb to 2 m, the stem with short

soft hairs mixed with a few hooked spines, old stems thick, with scaly bark

at the base. LEAVES: Simple, 3 lobed, broad rounded to oval, the base heart

shaped, edge wavy and toothed, all rough to the touch, a long hairy stalk.

Single tendrils beside leaves. FLOWERS: Male and female flowers on the

same plant, both single, beside leaves, a green bell-shaped receptacle tube

and 5 yellow petals joined at the base, female stalk about 4 cm, male stalks

very small, flowers 1 cm long. FRUIT: Distinctive fleshy, oval, round each

end, over 5 cm, green and faintly striped, ripening bright yellow, on a

thick stalk 3–7 cm, the skin has hard, sharp, conical projections to 2 mm

high.

COLOGY: Deciduous bushland and grassland, also persisting on cultivated ground.

Does well in medium-altitude wooded grasslands, Acacia woodland, up to 1,300

m; rainfall 600–1,300 mm.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in Yemen and from West Africa to Somalia and East Africa.

Widespread in Tanzania from Mwanza south to Mbeya and from Arusha and

Moshi eastwards to Tanga, also in Morogoro, Dodoma and Iringa Regions.

Uses:

Food:

– Tender leaves are cooked and served with a staple.

– Tender leaves are dried in the sun, pounded and used as a vegetable paste

with pounded groundnuts.

– Young fruit are eaten raw and mature fruit are boiled and eaten.

– Mature fruit are cut into small slices, dried and cooked as a vegetable after

adding a paste of pounded groundnuts.

Commercial: Sold in local markets.

EASON: Leaves are collected during the rainy season, while fruit are collected both

during the rainy season and for several months thereafter.

TORAGE: Dried leaves and sliced fruit can be stored in a dry place.

ANAGEMENT: Usually collected from the wild, but sometimes cultivated using seed.

TATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: C. aculeatus (Hehe: Nyambede; Nyamwezi: Kasasalya; Nyiramba:

Kishasae; Sandawi: Mumbu/he; Swahili: Mtango mwitu) is also used in the

same way as C. figarei. It is a creeping or climbing herb to 3 m with prickly

stems. It is found in Arusha, Dodoma, Singida and Tabora Regions. Also found

in Kenya, Uganda, the Congo basin, Rwanda and southern Ethiopia.

233

THE SPECIES

Cucumis figarei Cucurbitaceae

C. aculeatus

Y oung fruit and

mature fruit

Mature fruit

Young fruit

Flower

234

THE SPECIES

Cussonia spicata Araliaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Chagga: Mporori; English: Cabbage tree, Elephant toothbrush;

Hehe: Mnyonzi; Iraqw: Maneneh, Pohi-aawak; Luguru: Mkonero-wa-nyikani;

Maasai: Oldimaroi, Oljumaroi; Nyakyusa: Mpombo; Sambaa: Mntindi,

Mtendele, Mutundi; Wanji: Limpombo.

ESCRIPTION: Usually a small evergreen tree to 10 m, but up to 17 m, a few

branches near the top of the thick bole or none, topped by large digi-

tate compound leaves. Sometimes the long thin unbranched stem ends in a

small rounded crown of leaves, the “cabbage”. The roots may be large, swollen

and succulent. BARK: Grooved, yellow-grey, rough or corky. LEAVES: Crowded

together in whorls at the top of the trunk or branches, each cluster to 70

cm across, each leaf at the end of a stout stalk to 40 cm, dark to blue-green,

lobed and divided, twice compound, smaller stalks winged, the edges entire or

with sharp teeth, leaflets 5–9, stalked to 5 cm or not, the tips long pointed, 6–

35 cm long, rather stiff, base narrowed right to the main stalk, almost hairless.

FLOWERS: Green-yellow, small, without stalks, closely packed along 8–12

erect thick spikes 5–15 cm long, like a candelabra; only about a quarter

of the spike bears flowers. FRUIT: Small fleshy berries, pale green ripen-

ing brown-black, packed closely along the spikes, almost angular, 4–6 mm

across and 12 mm long, like cells of a honeycomb.

COLOGY: A tree of upland rainforest, upland dry evergreen forest, wooded grass-

land, 1,400–2,600 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in most highland areas of Tanzania; also in Uganda, Kenya,

Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia, the Comoro Islands and South Af-

rica.

SES:

Food:

A thick root from young trees is dug out from the ground, peeled and chewed

like cassava in order to assuage hunger and thirst (Kinga, Wanji).

Medicinal: Leaves are used to treat snakebite, malaria and constipation.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: Wood is white and soft and is used for making temporary stools and

doors, water troughs, beehives and wheels for wheelbarrows. Leaves are

used for fodder. The tree is also used for boundary and grave marking, shade

and as an ornamental.

EASON: Tubers are dug out from the ground at any time of the year.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild only, but can easily be propagated from seed

and cuttings.

TATUS: Locally common.

235

THE SPECIES

Cussonia spicata Araliaceae

Leaf and leaflet

Flowering heads, thick spikes

236

THE SPECIES

Cyathula orthacantha Amaranthaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Hehe: Somwambisi; Iraqw: Muhuhuoi; Nyamwezi: Ilamata;

Sambaa: Muila-ngoto; Sukuma: Namata.

ESCRIPTION: An annual herb, sometimes growing along the ground but usually

erect and much branched, to 1.5 m, the stem and branches coarse, becom-

ing angular, with dense white hairs when young, the swollen nodes also

hairy. LEAVES: Variable, wide or narrow oval to round, 1–15 cm long and up

to 5.5 cm wide, the tip pointed, base narrowed, often along the stalk to 2

cm long, few or many white hairs, especially on veins of the lower surface.

FLOWERS: White–pale green–red, at the end of branches or terminal on the

main stem, each bearing a spike of stalkless flowers in spherical groups

4–6 cm diameter, the entire head to 10 cm long, all stalks with white hairs,

each tiny flower with 5 stiff papery sepals (no hooks). FRUIT: Tiny one-seeded

capsules to 3 mm. Each spherical group falls to the ground as a complete “burr”,

about 1.5 cm across, with tiny spines.

COLOGY: Found in many habitats, but most common in grassland with Acacia

scrub on disturbed stony ground, quite often near rivers and waterholes, thrives

in sandy loam or alluvium but also on volcanic or heavy black soils, 600–1,400 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania and Kenya, but only found in certain ar-

eas of Uganda, extending north to Sudan, Ethiopia and south to Angola, Zam-

bia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia.

SES:

Food:

Leaves are used as vegetable. Tender leaves are cut into pieces, washed,

cooked, groundnut paste added and then eaten with ugali or rice.

Medicinal:

– Roots are pounded and soaked in warm water and drunk 2–3 times a day to

treat stomach-ache (Sambaa).

– Leaves are dried and pounded, mixed with pounded castor oil seeds and the

powder applied on wounds twice a day.

Commercial: Leaves marketed in the rainy season, e.g. at Isimani in Iringa

(Hehe).

Other: The plant is used for fodder.

EASON: Leaves are collected during the rainy season, February–May.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not cultivated. Can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Common and easily accessible within its habitat.

EMARKS: A troublesome weed.

237

THE SPECIES

Cyathula orthacantha Amaranthaceae

Flowering head

Fruit spike

A spiny “burr”

238

THE SPECIES

Cyphostemma njegerre Vitaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Wild vine; Hehe: Kilya-vahunzi; Sambaa: Mwengele;

Swahili: Mzabibu mwitu; Zigua: Tongotongo.

DESCRIPTION: A perennial herb, climbing with tendrils, to at least 12 m, the slen-

der branches, leaf and flower stalks all densely covered with long

spreading hairs: white-red-purple (drying orange). LEAVES: Usually with

3 leaflets, each broad ovate, 3–13 cm long, to 7 cm wide, the 2 lateral stalked

leaflets one-sided, leaf tips pointed, main stalks 2–5 cm, both leaf surfaces

white hairy except for red nerves and margins. FLOWERS: Cream, in loose

branched heads, 16–21 cm wide, on stalks 3–6 cm, the tiny hairy buds con-

stricted above the middle, narrow triangular petals only 3–4 mm. FRUIT: Ovoid

red berries 1 cm long x 6 mm wide, with hairs (some glandular).

COLOGY: Found in rainforests at 700–900 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Only found in the Tanga Region, where it has been recorded, e.g.

near Amani Botanical Garden. Not known from other parts of Tanzania.

SES:

Food:

– Ripe fruit are juicy, sweet and eaten raw as a snack.

– Ripe fruit are soaked in water, squeezed, filtered and drunk as juice.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used as an ornamental.

EASON: Ripe fruit are collected from February to June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Usually collected from the wild, but is also known to have been cul-

tivated in Europe using seed and cuttings.

STATUS: Locally common in the East Usambara Mountains, but listed on the IUCN

Red List of Threatened Plants.

EMARKS: C. bullata (English: Wild vine; Nyamwezi: Ikumbusya) is a climbing

herb up to 3 m found only in Tabora region. Its fruit are also edible.

239

THE SPECIES

Cyphostemma njegerre Vitaceae

Tendril

Flower head

Hairy fruit

240

THE SPECIES

Dactyloctenium aegyptium Poaceae (Gramineae)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Nyava; English: Crow-foot grass; Hehe: Nyava; Maasai:

Embokwe, Empokui, Enkampa, Porori aja; Ngindo: Kiaga; Nyamwezi: Nsapa;

Sandawi: Helá; Swahili: Kimbugimbugi.

ESCRIPTION: An annual grass, slender to robust, with spreading stems to 70 cm,

usually bent at the nodes, rooting at lower nodes; can form a mat with short

underground stems. LEAVES: Leaf blades flat, soft, bright green, 3–25 cm by

15 mm across, the edges slightly hairy. FLOWERS: The flowers arise on star-

like heads at the tip of stems, 2–8 spikes usually horizontal, one spike

lower than the rest, each one-sided and dense, to 6.5 cm long, ending in

a bare point, spikelets in 2 rows, quite flattened, 3–6 mm, with bristles to 4

mm. FRUIT: The grass grain is about 1 mm long, somewhat triangular.

COLOGY: A widespread weed of open situations, grassland, open woodland, com-

mon by roadsides, on waste ground; a weed of arable land, in shallow soils and

can withstand some salinity, 0–2,100 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania as well as in many other parts of Africa

and other tropical and warm temperate regions; introduced into America.

SES:

Food:

Seeds are used as a famine cereal. The grains are lightly roasted in a hot pot

in order to soften them. The grain is then pounded or ground into flour,

which is cooked into thin porridge (uji), or ugali to be eaten with vegetables

or meat.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used for fodder.

EASON: Seeds are collected during the dry season, April–June.

TORAGE: Seeds can be stored for several months.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not cultivated. Can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: An important pasture grass.

241

THE SPECIES

Dactyloctenium aegyptium Poaceae (Gramineae)

Bare tip

242

THE SPECIES

Dactyloctenium giganteum Poaceae (Gramineae)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Nyava; Nyamwezi: Nsapa; Sandawi: Helá; Swahili:

Kimbugimbugi, Mkandi.

ESCRIPTION: A robust annual grass, usually erect to 1.5 m, spreading by

overground stolons, nodes along the stems marked by a brown ring, rooting

from lower nodes. LEAVES: Blades flat, to 45 cm long, about 1 cm across, few

hairs but often along the edges, clasping stems at the base. FLOWERS: A “fin-

ger-like” flower head with 3–9 spikes, each one 4–11 cm, forming a rather

erect brush-like cluster at the tip of the stalk (rarely spreading horizon-

tal), the spike bare at the tip, each flower with a hair-like process. FRUIT:

Rough, angular grass grains, barely 1 mm, like pale brown “sand”.

COLOGY: A common grass of roadsides, old cultivation and other disturbed sites,

favouring light sandy soils, 200–2,000 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Almost all parts of Tanzania; Kenya, south to Namibia and South

Africa.

SES:

Food:

Grains are lightly roasted in order to soften them, then pounded or ground

into flour. The flour is used in making uji, or ugali, which is eaten with

vegetables or meat during famine periods.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used for fodder.

EASON: Seeds are collected during the dry season, April–June.

TORAGE: Grains can be stored for several months.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not cultivated. Can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: An important pasture grass.

243

THE SPECIES

Dactyloctenium giganteum Poaceae (Gramineae)

Bare tip

244

THE SPECIES

Dalbergia nitidula Papilionaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Glossy flat-bean, Purplewood dalbergia; Gogo: Mjiha;

Nguu: Mhuga; Nyamwezi: Kafinulambasa, Kapondolampasa, Mfunfu;

Nyasa: Lungwe; Nyaturu: Mobibi; Sangu: Msinatemo; Yao: Unhungu; Zigua:

Mgeja.

ESCRIPTION: A deciduous shrub or small tree, 4–12 m, with stiff erect branches to

an open crown. BARK: Grey-brown to reddish, rough and fissured, flaking

longitudinally, branchlets with dense yellow-brown hairs. LEAVES: Compound,

4–7 pairs leaflets, opposite or nearly so, plus one at the tip; each leaflet

usually 2–3 cm, up to 8 cm, tip round, pointed or notched, base rounded, clear

veins below and very hairy. FLOWERS: White flowers appear before the leaves,

in dense branched heads to 10 cm, each flower small, pea-shaped (often

rounded balls of dark, needle-like growths develop instead). FRUIT: Flat,

thin brown pods, 7 x 1.5 cm, sharply tipped, do not open but rot on the ground

to release 1–2 seeds.

COLOGY: A tree of deciduous woodlands, including Brachystegia woodlands,

bushland, thickets and wooded grassland, 300–1,700 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in most areas of Tanzania except Arusha and Kilimanjaro.

Also found in Uganda, the Congo basin, Rwanda, Burundi, Mozambique, Ma-

lawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola and South Africa.

SES:

Food:

Young leaves are chopped, washed, cooked, pounded groundnuts added and

then served with a staple.

Medicinal:

– Roots are pounded and soaked in warm water. The liquid is gargled to treat

toothache. Should not be swallowed since the roots are toxic.

– Leaves are chewed and applied to the site of a snakebite.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is hard and used for building poles, pegs, fence poles, combs,

clubs, tool handles and walking sticks.

EASON: Leaves are collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by the local

people. It can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Locally common.

EMARKS: The roots are known to be toxic.

245

THE SPECIES

Dalbergia nitidula Papilionacea

Flowering and fruiting branch

Fruit pod

246

THE SPECIES

Deinbollia borbonica Sapindaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Soap berry; Iraqw: Tlambi; Hehe: Mlyangola; Luguru:

Mmoyomoyo; Mwera: Mpungamaoka, Mungamaoka; Ngindo: Mpuga mahoka;

Nyasa: Kajambalame; Sambaa: Mkunguma; Swahili: Mkilimu, Mkunguma,

Mwakamwaka; Zaramo: Mmoyomoyo; Zigua: Mmoyomoyo.

ESCRIPTION: A small shrub or tree, 0.5–7 m, with an unbranched trunk bearing a

crown of leaves. Young branchlets golden hairy, later brown–black. LEAVES:

Compound, even pinnate, in terminal bunches on long stalks 20–42 cm,

6–16 alternate leaflets, each leaflet oval, tip rounded, base larger on one

side, on a 4-mm stalk, leaflets about the same on one leaf but vary in length

3.5–17 cm; young leaves with many golden hairs below, a few later remain-

ing along veins which are prominent both sides. FLOWERS: Tiny and white,

male and female flowers on different branchlets growing along loose

terminal branched heads or from leaf axils, 30–60 cm, calyx and flower

stalks densely brown hairy or some silver-cream hairs, white petals to 6

mm, dry red-brown, about 15 stamens with hairy white filaments, pale yellow

anthers, green style and stigma. FRUIT: 1–3 yellow-red fruit together, oval-

round, about 1 cm long, densely covered with golden brown hairs at first,

along a fruiting stalk to 40 cm. Each edible fruit contains seeds in white muci-

laginous flesh.

COLOGY: Riverine bush, Acacia thorn bush, evergreen coastal thicket,

Commiphora–Acacia woodland, low evergreen forest on limestone outcrops, 0–

1,000 m.

ISTRIBUTION: There are two forms in Tanzania, with forma subcordata restricted

to evergreen forest, Mombo Forest Reserve, Lushoto District, and forma glabrata

widely distributed in the northern, eastern and southern parts of the country,

including on Zanzibar and Pemba. The species also grows in Kenya, southern

Somalia, Malawi, Mozambique, and the Comoro Islands.

SES:

Food:

The pulp of ripe fruit is sweet and eaten raw as a snack. Fruit are usually

eaten by children and herdsmen.

Medicinal: Roots are used for preparation of medicine to treat stomach-ache

and boils, especially by the Sambaa.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for firewood, charcoal and to make spoons. The plant

is used for shade and ornamental purposes.

EASON: Fruit are collected from September to December.

TORAGE: Not stored.

247

THE SPECIES

MANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated, but can easily be propa-

gated by seed.

STATUS: Occasional within its area of distribution.

Deinbollia borbonica (contd) Sapindaceae

Fruit

Flower head

248

THE SPECIES

Deinbollia kilimandscharica var. kilimandscharica Sapindaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Mtambakuzimu; English: Soap berry; Hehe: Mlyangola;

Iraqw: Tlambi; Luguru: Mmoyomoyo; Sambaa: Mbwakabwaka, Mkunguma;

Swahili: Mkunguma; Zigua: Mmoyomoyo.

ESCRIPTION: A shrub or tree 2–12 m, the single trunk topped by a crown of leaves,

generally hairless. BARK: Rough. LEAVES: Compound, even pinnate, with 6–

12 pairs of wide oval leaflets, 6–24 cm x 3.5–7 cm, upper leaflets longest,

leaf tip long pointed, base rounded and unequal, no hairs or only a few on

veins below. FLOWERS: Small, along terminal heads 30–60 cm, male and fe-

male branchlets, cream-white, petals to 5 mm, calyx without hairs. FRUIT:

1–3 fruit on a stalk, yellow-red-brown, each 10–14 mm long, edible flesh inside.

COLOGY: Evergreen forest, moist or dry riverine forest, and upland rainforest,

1,100–2,300 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Var. kilimandscharica is found in northern, north-eastern and

coastal highlands of Tanzania. Also in Kenya, Ethiopia and in the eastern part

of the Congo basin. Another variety, var. adusta, is found in evergreen

Podocarpus–Ocotea forests, 900–2,000 m in Tanzania and in northern Malawi.

SES:

Food:

The fruit are edible. Ripe fruit are collected and eaten raw as a snack.

Medicinal: Roots are used as medicine for stomach-ache, intestinal worms and

as a purgative.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for firewood, charcoal and spoons. The tree is used as

an ornamental and as a source of bee forage.

EASON: Fruit are collected from October to December.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated. Can be propagated by

seed.

STATUS: Locally common.

249

THE SPECIES

Deinbollia kilimandscharica var. kilimandscharica (contd)

Enlarged male flower

Flowering and fruiting branches

Enlarged female flower

250

THE SPECIES

Delonix elata Caesalpiniaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Gogo: Msele; Gorowa: Aarmo-Desu; Hehe: Mseele; Iraqw: Aare-

desu; Mbugwe: Monterere; Nyamwezi: Mlele; Rangi: Ichoro, Msisiviri,

Mterera; Sandawi: Arange; Swahili: Mfausiku.

ESCRIPTION: A deciduous tree, usually 5–7 m, with a rounded spreading crown,

branches drooping. BARK: Quite conspicuous, smooth and shiny, pale yel-

low to grey-white, sometimes flaking. LEAVES: Twice compound, to 15 cm,

with 2–12 pairs of pinnae, each with 10–25 opposite pairs of leaflets, long

oblong, about 1 cm, dull green with tiny hairs both sides. FLOWERS: Flat

green buds open into showy flowers near tips of branchlets, only one of a

group flowering at a time, 4 white petals over 3 cm long with wavy

cut-up edges and one smaller yellow petal, all fading yellow-orange;

10 red stamens to 10 cm hang out of the flower. FRUIT: Red-brown pods

flat and thin, pointed both ends, about 13–20 cm, contain smooth olive-

brown oblong seeds in horizontal pockets.

COLOGY: Found in deciduous thickets and bushland, often in hot dry Acacia–

Commiphora bush and on rocky slopes or by streams or dry river beds, 400–

1,400 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Grows throughout Tanzania except eastern and southern coastal

areas. Found, e.g. between Pare and Usambara and around Mwanza, Same,

Tabora, Kongwa, Dodoma, Kondoa, and Iringa. Also in Uganda, Kenya, the

eastern Congo basin, north into Egypt, Eritrea, the Arabian peninsular and

extending to India.

SES:

Food:

– The leaves are edible. Tender leaves are collected, chopped, cooked and served

with ugali (Gogo, Hehe). Edible fat, groundnut paste, tomatoes and onions

may be added.

– The seeds are boiled and eaten during famine.

Medicinal:

– Roots are ground on a stone with a little water and the paste is put on an

abscess to hasten ripening.

– The bark is soaked in warm water and the resulting liquid is drunk for sev-

eral days to treat bilharzia.

– An infusion from the bark is also used to treat diarrhoea.

– Leaves and twigs are chewed and swallowed to treat mouth ulcers.

– A decoction from boiled roots is used as an antidote for a variety of ingested

poisons.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for firewood, tool handles, grain mortars, beer

251

THE SPECIES

containers, milk pots, beehives, clogs, wooden spoons and cups. The tree is

used for shade and live fences and is a source of bee forage. Leaves are used

for fodder.

EASON: Leaves are collected at the beginning of the rainy season in November–

December.

TORAGE: Roots to be used for medicine can be stored for half a year or so.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, but also planted and protected by local peo-

ple (Gogo, Hehe). Easily propagated by seed.

TATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: A common live-fence tree in most areas in Tanzania.

Delonix elata (contd) Caesalpiniaceae

Open fruit pod

252

THE SPECIES

Dialium holtzii Caesalpiniaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Luguru: Mhengere; Mwera: Mkungue, Mpepeta; Nguu:

Mkwazuperere; Sambaa: Mhetele, Mshida, Mshila; Swahili: Mpekechu,

Mpepeta.

ESCRIPTION: A multi-stemmed shrub or a large tree with a spreading crown

12–25 m, the trunk slightly buttressed at the base. BARK: Smooth, grey-brown,

young branches rough hairy. LEAVES: Compound, odd pinnate, the 5–15 leaf-

lets more or less equal, or smaller at the base, often alternate along the

stalk, 5–18 cm long, leaflets oval, 3–7 cm, the tip lengthened but blunt or

notched, blade papery, stiff, few hairs or none, the vein network raised and

clear on both sides. FLOWERS: Masses of small rounded flowers, mainly

cream but also yellow-white, on large branched flowering heads to 30 cm

long and 15 cm across, 5 grey sepals only 2.5 mm, no petals, 2 stamens.

FRUIT: Red-brown rounded pods, covered with velvety soft brown hairs,

to 1.8 cm long, dry and brittle, eventually cracking open to set free 1–2 grey-

brown seeds which are smooth and shiny, in a thin membrane; around them a

mealy edible pulp which dries orange-red-brown.

COLOGY: Found in lowland evergreen dry forest, riverine and swamp forest, rarely

in lowland rainforest, also in woodlands, 0–500 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in north-eastern, eastern and southern Tanzania, e.g. on

Mafia Island, in Mtibwa Forest Reserve in Morogoro Region, around Pangani

and Muheza in Tanga Region and in the Pugu Hills near Dar es Salaam. Also

in coastal Kenya and Mozambique.

SES:

Food:

– The white soft pulp of the fruit is eaten like chewing gum and has a sour

taste similar to tamarind. The hard seeds are discarded.

– Ripe fruit are peeled, soaked in warm water and squeezed. Sugar is added to

the thick liquid, which is then filtered. The juice is then ready for drinking

before or after being cooled.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is very hard and heavy and used for firewood, charcoal, tool

handles, dhow ribs, firewood and grain mortars.

EASON: Fruit are collected from June to September.

TORAGE: Dried fruit can be stored for several years.

ANAGEMENT: Fruit are collected from the wild and it is not cultivated or protected

by the local people. However, the species can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

253

THE SPECIES

Dialium holtzii Caesalpiniaceae

Fruiting branch

254

THE SPECIES

Dialium orientale Caesalpiniaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Mhetele; Sambaa: Mhetele, Mshila; Swahili: Mpekechu,

Mpepeta.

DESCRIPTION: A multi-stemmed shrub or tree 6–15 m, the crown flattened or spread-

ing and drooping to the ground. BARK: Smooth, pale grey–white–pink.

LEAVES: Compound, odd pinnate with 7–9 small leaflets, oval, base wide to

rounded, 1.5–5 cm long, midrib hairy, tips rounded to obtuse, not drawn out,

on a stalk to 5 cm long (much smaller than in D. holtzii). FLOWERS: Small,

green-cream-yellow in large dense heads to 30 cm x 20 cm. FRUIT: Round

reddish pods, 1.3–1.8 cm long, containing 1–2 seeds in edible dry pulp.

COLOGY: Evergreen dry forests, Brachystegia woodland, evergreen bushland, clump

grassland, coastal riverine vegetation; 0–100 m, often in sandy or alluvial soils.

DISTRIBUTION: This species is endemic in eastern Africa and found only in Tanga

Region of Tanzania, in Coast Province in Kenya and in southern Somalia.

USES:

Food:

– The soft white fruit pulp is eaten raw as a substitute for tamarind. The seeds

are discarded.

– A pleasant juice is prepared by soaking peeled fruit in water and adding

sugar.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is hard and is used for firewood, building poles, charcoal, tool

handles, dhow ribs and grain mortars.

EASON: Ripe fruit are collected from July to October.

TORAGE: Peeled fruit can be stored for about 2 years.

ANAGEMENT: Fruit are collected from the wild and it is not cultivated or protected

by the local people. Propagation can be done using seeds.

TATUS: Locally common.

255

THE SPECIES

Dialium orientale Caesalpiniaceae

Seed

Flower

Pods

256

THE SPECIES

Dicliptera laxata Acanthaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Hehe: Nyamtitu.

ESCRIPTION: A straggling perennial herb or undershrub, 1–5 m. LEAVES: Oppo-

site, stalked, long oval, narrowed both ends, dark green. FLOWERS: In stalked

clusters at a few nodes, surrounded by a “rosette” of green floral bracts

about 1 cm long, each flower between 2 bracts, 5 sepals, the tubular flower

white or pink, streaked purple, the lips to 1 cm, the upper lip bent back, 2

purple anthers, 2-celled. FRUIT: An ovoid capsule about 1 cm long, contain-

ing 4 round black seeds.

COLOGY: A herb of high forest, often in deep shade, sometimes dominant in the

under-storey, riparian forest, occasionally in swamp forest, on steep slopes of

well-watered ground, 1,500–2,300 m.

ISTRIBUTION: In the Tanga and Southern Highland areas of Tanzania; uncom-

mon in Uganda, coastal Kenya, Ethiopia.

SES:

Food:

Leaves are used as a vegetable. Tender leaves are cooked, coconut milk or

pounded groundnuts are added and the dish is eaten with ugali or rice.

Medicinal: Roots are used to treat stomach-ache and coughs (Hehe).

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used for fodder.

EASON: Rainy season, December–April.

TORAGE: After drying the leaves can be stored for up to a year.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not cultivated.

TATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

257

THE SPECIES

Dicliptera laxata Acanthaceae

Bracts

Flowering stalk

258

THE SPECIES

Dictyophleba lucida (Landolphia lucida) Apocynaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Milk apple; Ha: Mabungo madogo; Tongwe: Katimba.

ESCRIPTION: A liana, to 20 m, with divided tendrils from between old flower

heads or at forks of branches, copious white sap when cut, stems hairy.

LEAVES: Opposite, stiff, oval and shiny, 7–15 cm long, wider at the tip, which

is long and blunt, a few hairs on the midrib below or none, the base well rounded.

FLOWERS: Sweetly fragrant in loose terminal heads to 17 cm long, buds

dull red, outer surface of petals pink, tube to 18 mm long, the 5 narrow

cream-white lobes overlapping left before they open. FRUIT: A small

rounded berry 3–4 cm long, without hairs, green and purple when young,

ripening yellow-orange-red, containing many seeds in edible pulp.

COLOGY: Found in semi-deciduous mixed forest, wet evergreen forest edges, riverine

forest and forest remnants, 1–1,000 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Eastern, coastal and Southern Highlands as well as western areas,

e.g. in Gombe Stream Forest Reserve, Lusunguru Forest Reserve, Kakombe

Valley and around Kigoma. Also found in coastal Kenya, Burundi and in the

Congo basin.

SES:

Food:

– The pulp of ripe fruit is edible. Fruit are cut in half and the pulp, which is

sweet and rather acidic, is eaten raw.

– Ripe fruit are cut, the pulp soaked in water, squeezed, sugar added and

filtered. The juice is drunk before or after being cooled.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The flexible stems are used for strings.

EASON: Ripe fruit are collected from February to June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Only collected from the wild, but can be propagated using seeds or

cuttings.

TATUS: Locally common.

259

THE SPECIES

Dictyophleba lucida (Landolphia lucida) Apocynaceae

Flowers

Fruit

260

THE SPECIES

Dioscorea dumetorum Dioscoreaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Ndiga, Tugu; English: African bitter yam, Cluster yam,

Three-leaved yam; Maasai: Oloibarebare; Matengo: Mpeta; Nyamwezi: Itugu,

Kilumbu; Sambaa: Tugu; Sukuma: Ndiga; Swahili: Kiazi kikuu, Kigongo,

Kikwa, Kinana, Mariga, Ndiga; Tongwe: Lindiga; Zigua: Ndiga.

ESCRIPTION: A climbing yam twining up to 10 m in high bush, hairy with many

prickles. Underground tubers numerous, with short cylindrical lobes about 2.5

cm across, bearing roots, spreading or descending about 30 cm, tubers re-

placed annually. LEAVES: Compound, 3 leaflets, on a main stalk to 20

cm, both hairy and prickly, the central leaflet wider and pointed at the tip,

laterals unequal-sided, on short stalks, paler below with rather long hairs

flat to the surface, usually about 12 cm x 8 cm, 3 nerved from just above

the base. FLOWERS: Small male flowers in dense branched bunches of spikelets

beside leaves. Female flowers arise from a slender hanging spike 5–10 cm.

FRUIT: A sparsely hairy capsule to 4 cm long, seeds about 2 cm with one

wing at the base.

COLOGY: It grows on the edges of lowland rainforest, dry evergreen forests, ever-

green bushland, and on termite mounds in Brachystegia woodland, persisting

in plantations, in secondary thickets as well as grasslands, 0–1,700 m.

ISTRIBUTION: This plant is widespread in Tanzania but not found in the northern

and central areas. Also in coastal Kenya; much of Uganda, Senegal to Ethiopia

and south to Angola, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa.

SES:

Food:

– Tubers, which are produced underground, are eaten as famine food. They

are collected, peeled, cut into small pieces and soaked overnight to remove

toxic substances before being cooked.

– Alternatively, tubers are peeled and soaked in water for several days. Then

they are washed, sliced and dried in the sun. The dried slices are pounded

into flour and used for uji or ugali (Bondei, Zaramo).

Medicinal: The powder obtained from dried and pounded roots is soaked in

water and used to treat bilharzia.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used for ornamental purposes.

EASON: Tubers are collected soon after the rainy season.

TORAGE: Dried slices can be stored for several weeks.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not usually cultivated or protected by

the local people. However, it can be propagated using slices of tuber with dor-

mant buds. This is, however, only done during famine periods.

261

THE SPECIES

STATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: The tubers of this species are known to be toxic.

Dioscorea dumetorum (contd) Dioscoreaceae

Flowers

Tuber

262

THE SPECIES

Dioscorea odoratissima Dioscoreaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Chagga: Kiya; Ha: Itiguligwa; Luguru: Kigonzo; Nyamwezi:

Itugu, Kilumbu; Sambaa: Tugu; Swahili: Kiazi kikuu; Zaramo: Ndiga; Zigua:

Ndiga.

ESCRIPTION: A hairless annual twiner, stems cylindrical, often spiny, with

some bulbils. Underground tubers are replaced annually, to 5 cm diameter,

over 6 cm long, descending vertically and protected above by horizontal thorny

roots. LEAVES: Usually opposite, simple long oval to widely heart shaped,

some notched at the base, a long pointed tip, stalk to 5 cm. FLOWERS: About

5 male spikes ascending to 10 cm, clustered in axils or at leafless nodes on

terminal branches; female flowers on solitary hanging spikes to 15 cm. FRUIT:

A dull grey-green 3-lobed, rounded capsule, to 3.8 cm diameter, contains

winged seeds.

COLOGY: Found in woodlands, thickets, rainforest and riverine forest, 800–1,800

m; rainfall 1,400–2,400 mm. Thrives in humus-rich soils.

DISTRIBUTION: Widespread from Senegal through West Africa and south to Ma-

lawi, Zambia and Angola. In Tanzania it is found, for example, in Kigoma,

Iringa, Mbeya, Rukwa and Songea Regions.

SES:

Food:

– Tubers, which are produced underground, are eaten as famine food. They

are collected, peeled, cut into small pieces and soaked overnight before being

cooked in order to remove toxic compounds.

– Alternatively, tubers are peeled and soaked in water for several days. Then

they are washed, sliced and dried in the sun. The dried slices are pounded

into flour and used for porridge or ugali (Bondei, Zaramo).

– Tender leaves are mixed with other vegetables, cooked and eaten as a veg-

etable together with a staple (Luguru).

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: Plants are used for ornamental purposes.

EASON: Tubers are dug up soon after the rainy season.

TORAGE: Dried slices and flour from pounded slices can be stored for several weeks.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local peo-

ple.

STATUS: Uncommon and difficult to access since it occurs in forests. Skill is required

to find the tubers.

REMARKS: Care should be taken during preparation because of the toxicity of the

tubers. They must be peeled and soaked before cooking.

263

THE SPECIES

Dioscorea odoratissima Dioscoreaceae

Variety of leaf shapes

Thorns

Y oung fruit

Edible tuber

264

THE SPECIES

Dioscorea quartiniana var. quartiniana Dioscoreaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Ha: Ituguligwa; Nyamwezi: Itugu, Kilumbu; Sambaa: Tugu;

Swahili: Kiazi kikuu; Zaramo: Ndiga; Zigua: Ndiga.

ESCRIPTION: A hairy climber with stems twining to the left, reaching 6 m into

trees, over shrubs or trailing on the ground, often with tiny glandular hairs as

well as longer simple hairs (no prickles). Tubers are replaced annually, much

divided with cylindrical root-bearing lobes to 2.5 cm diameter, spreading,

up to 30 cm long. LEAVES: Alternate, compound palmate, on stalks to 10

cm, usually less, 3–5 leaflets, very variable in size and shape, reaching 14 cm

x 11 cm, often densely hairy below, generally oval, wider at the tip. FLOW-

ERS: Male flowers along 3-cm long hanging catkins, the flowers overlap-

ping, from upper leaf axils, 2–5 together. Female flowers on a single hang-

ing spike to 17 cm, flowers very close at first, separated with age, the flow-

ers directed downwards. FRUIT: 3-part capsule, about 2.5 cm long, without

hairs and containing seeds with a basal wing.

COLOGY: A species found in openings in upland and lowland rainforest, riverine

forest and at forest edges, termite mounds, scrub and thickets, often on hillsides

and near rock outcrops and grasslands, 100–2,300 m; rainfall 800–1,900 mm.

Tolerates a wide range of soil types.

ISTRIBUTION: From Senegal through West Africa to Ethiopia and southern Africa,

and also Madagascar. Found in all parts of Tanzania except Dodoma and Singida

Regions.

SES:

Food

– Tubers are dug out from the ground, cooked and eaten.

– Tubers are peeled and soaked in water for several days. Then they are

washed, sliced and dried in the sun. The dried slices are pounded into flour

and used for uji or ugali.

Commercial: Sold in local markets.

Other: The plant is used for ornamental purposes.

EASON: Tubers are collected after the rainy season.

TORAGE: The dried flour can be stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local peo-

ple.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: There are about 13 wild species of Dioscorea found in Tanzania, most of

which are edible. They include the following:

265

THE SPECIES

Dioscorea quartiniana var. quartiniana Dioscoreaceae

Tuber

Fruit

266

THE SPECIES

1. D. cochlaeri-apiculata (Matengo: Mpeta; Nyamwezi: Itugu, Kilumbu, Numbu;

Sambaa: Tugu; Swahili: Kiazi kikuu; Tongwe: Ntembe, Lindiga; Zaramo:

Ndiga; Zigua: Ndiga) a climbing herb up to 10 m high found in Tabora,

Shinyanga, Dodoma, Iringa, Rukwa and Songea Regions;

Dioscorea quartiniana var. quartiniana Dioscoreaceae

(contd)

2. D. schimperiana (Ha: Buliga-kubwa, Ituguligwa; Nyamwezi: Itugu, Kilumbu;

Sambaa: Tugu; Swahili: Kiazi kikuu; Zigua: Ndiga) a climber up to 8 m high

found around Ngara, Iringa, Mufundi, Lushoto, Morogoro and Rungwe. Also

found in Kenya, Uganda, Cameroon, east to Ethiopia and southwards to Zim-

babwe;

D. cochlaeri-apiculata

Flowers

Fruit capsules

Enlar ged winged seed

267

THE SPECIES

Dioscorea quartiniana var. quartiniana Dioscoreaceae

(contd)

3. D. sansibarensis (English: Wild yam; Swahili: Kichochomi, Mchochoni,

Tungunyu) a herb climbing up to 25 m high on other trees and found in Tanga,

Iringa, Songea, Zanzibar and Pemba. It is also found in south-western Uganda,

coastal Kenya, from Ivory Coast to Sudan, south to Angola, Zimbabwe, Mo-

zambique and Madagascar.

D. sansibarensis

3. D. longicuspis, with the same local names as D. cochlaeri-apiculata, a climber

up to 6 m high found only around Lushoto and Morogoro;

Variety of shapes

in young leaves

268

THE SPECIES

Diospyros kirkii Ebenaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Pink diospyros; Matengo: Mngulaka, Nsakala; Mwera:

Mng’akora; Ngindo: Mkalakawa-bonde; Nyamwezi: Mnumbulu; Tongwe:

Ikongwa; Vidunda: Mkokokivu.

ESCRIPTION: A semi-evergreen tree to 11 m, usually smaller, the spreading branches

forming a rounded open crown. Young branchlets covered with rusty-pink

hairs. BARK: Dark grey-black, very rough, flaking in squares. LEAVES: Thick,

leathery, wide oval, up to 15 cm x 8 cm across, tip rounded, on a short thick

stalk which is hairy, as are young leaves below. FLOWERS: In flower heads

of 1–3 on male or female trees, all covered with woolly pink hairs. FRUIT:

Rounded yellow when ripe, 3–4 cm across with 5–6 narrow calyx lobes

tightly pressed half way up to the fruit. The fruit contains sweet edible

flesh around 4 dark brown, angled seeds.

COLOGY: Found in woodlands, including miombo, on termite mounds, often on

rocky ridges, secondary woodland, open forest and savanna woodland, 1,200–

1,500 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Widely distributed in Tanzania with the exception of the northern

part, e.g. found in Morogoro, Iringa and Tabora Regions. Also in Zambia, Ma-

lawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Angola and the Congo basin.

SES:

Food:

Ripe fruit are collected from the tree or from the ground and eaten raw.

They are sweet and are much liked by both children and adults.

Commercial: Sold in local markets.

Other: The wood is used for firewood, tool handles, gunstocks, grain mortars,

bedsteads and spoons. The tree is suitable for shade and is a source of bee

forage. Fruit are used as fodder for goats.

EASON: Ripe fruit are collected from April to July.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Ripe fruit are usually collected from the wild. However, it can be

propagated using fresh seeds.

STATUS: Occasional within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: D. kirkii can be easily hybridized with D. mespiliformis. Hybrids pro-

duce smaller but sweeter fruit.

269

THE SPECIES

Diospyros kirkii Ebenaceae

Fruit

270

THE SPECIES

Diospyros mespiliformis Ebenaceae

Indigenous [Plate 1]

OCAL NAMES: Bende: Msinde; Chagga: Mkadi, Mkuare, Msinde; Digo: Mbara,

Mkulu; English: African ebony, Jackal berry; Luguru: Mkoko, Mkululu,

Msindanguruwe, Msinde, Mtitu; Matengo: Nsakala-wa-mwana; Nyamwezi:

Mkinde, Msinde; Pare: Mjongolo; Swahili: Mgiriti, Mgombe, Mjoho, Mpweke,

Msindi; Vidunda: Mkoko, Mkulwi; Zigua: Mhukwi, Mkulwe, Mkulwi; Sambaa:

Mkea-kundi.

ESCRIPTION: A medium- to large-sized tree, to 25 m. There may be a clear bole

from a buttressed base to the dense rounded crown. Young parts have silvery

hairs. BARK: Grey-black, rough and squared, grooved. LEAVES: Shiny

dark green, alternate, to 14 x 3 cm, the midrib raised below, edge wavy,

tip rounded. FLOWERS: Fragrant, male clustered, female solitary, cream-

white petals, 1 cm. FRUIT: Rounded, to 2.5 cm, in a calyx cup, the 5 seg-

ments curling back, fruit yellow, later purple, pulp soft and sweet with 4–6

brown, hairy seeds.

COLOGY: An evergreen tree common along rivers in dry savanna woodland and in

thickets, scrub forest in rocky gullies on hillsides. It occurs naturally in semi-

arid areas, 0–1,300 m; rainfall 500–1,300 mm.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in tropical Africa from Senegal to Angola, eastwards to

Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Yemen, south to Mozambique, South Africa and

Namibia. Occurs in most parts of Tanzania except Kagera, Mwanza, Mara and

Shinyanga Regions. It has been cultivated in western Australia.

SES:

Food:

The fruit are edible and sweet. They are collected from the ground, washed

and eaten fresh, the seeds being discarded. They are nutritious and eaten

frequently as a snack.

Medicinal:

The bark is used to treat stomach-ache.

Other: The bark is used for dyeing mats red. The wood is hard and strong with

a fine grain and is used for tool handles, gunstocks, wooden spoons and

furniture. It is termite and fungus resistant The tree is good for shade and

as a source of bee forage. Roots are used to ward off evil spells (Makua) after

being mixed with those of Asparagus and honey.

EASON: Ripe fruit are available from April to June.

TORAGE: Ripe fruit can be dried in the sun and stored for several weeks.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated, but can be propagated

using fresh seed.

271

THE SPECIES

STATUS: Common in riverine vegetation and easily accessible.

EMARKS: The fruit of D. consolatae and D. squarrosa are also edible.

Diospyros mespiliformis (contd) Ebenaceae

Flowering shoot

Developing fruit

Fruit section

Seed

272

THE SPECIES

Dolichos trilobus Papilionaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Hehe: Nandalamwani, Nyanandala; Ngoni: Lungatungu; Swahili:

Kunde mbala.

ESCRIPTION: A perennial twiner, to 1 m, with herbaceous hairy stems from a woody

rootstock. LEAVES: 3 leaflets, broad oval to round, laterals often oblique, 1.5–

9 cm long, often a paler area down the middle of each leaflet, tips pointed,

base rounded, the main stalk 1.3–7 cm, a pair of tiny, persistent, pointed leafy

stipules, 3–4 mm, and each leaflet stalked. FLOWERS: Pea shaped, in groups

of 2–3 on 4-cm stalks from leaf axils, the standard petal about 1 cm, red-

mauve-pink with darker markings or veining, sometimes greenish out-

side, the tip notched, the 2 wings deep purple-pink, the keel paler, the narrow

bracts up to 1 cm, the 5 sepals of the calyx form a bell shape. FRUIT:

Oblong, curved pods to 9 cm long x 1 cm wide, more on less flattened, a

few hairs, containing several brown-red seeds with black markings.

COLOGY: Found in grassland, bushland and forest, sometimes in rocky places in

evergreen forest, 0–1,200 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania except in the western areas; rare in Kenya,

but grows in some parts of Uganda, Ethiopia, to Angola and South Africa, ex-

tending to eastern Asia and widespread in West Africa.

SES:

Food:

Seeds are edible. The peas are collected and cooked while fresh or after be-

ing dried in the sun and eaten with ugali or rice. Coconut milk or pounded

groundnuts can be added while cooking in order to make the dish more pal-

atable.

Medicinal: Tubers are pounded and used as medicine to treat chickenpox.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used for fodder and ornamental purposes.

EASON: Dry season, April–June.

TORAGE: Dried seeds can be stored for several months.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not cultivated. However, it can be propa-

gated using fresh seed.

STATUS: Listed among rare species in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants.

EMARKS: Many other Dolichos spp. are reported to be edible and used medicinally.

273

THE SPECIES

Dolichos trilobus Papilionaceae

Seeds

Fruit pod

274

THE SPECIES

Dovyalis abyssinica Flacourtiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Barabaig: Mahhahhari; Chagga: Mmango; Gogo: Mnzuyuyu;

Gorowa: Mummui; Hehe: Mditsi, Mgola; Iraqw: Mahhahamo; Maasai:

Emorogi, Ilmorok (plural), Olmarogi, Olmorogi; Sambaa: Mtiwapaa; Zinza:

Mkoroto.

ESCRIPTION: A spiny evergreen shrub or tree to 5 m, crown rounded. BARK: Grey,

spines to 1.5 cm long. Branchlets with very clear dotted breathing pores

(lenticels). LEAVES: Shiny, dark green, oval, to 5 cm, tip blunt, edge un-

evenly rounded, stalk and veins reddish. FLOWERS: No petals but 5 yellow-

green-white sepals, females single, but male flowers in clusters with many sta-

mens (40–60). FRUIT: A round berry about 2 cm across, surrounded by the

calyx, green and hairy at first then smooth orange-yellow pulp around the

seeds.

COLOGY: Found in upland rainforest, dry evergreen forests, by river banks, some-

times in more open woodland, along hilly escarpments or even mountain tops,

0–2,700 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania, recorded in most highland areas, e.g. around

Lushoto and Rongai, and in Rungwe Mountains; from Eritrea and Somalia to

Malawi.

SES:

Food:

– Ripe fruit are collected from trees and eaten raw as a snack. They are fleshy,

sweet and much favoured by children and herdsmen.

– Ripe fruit are also used for jam making.

Medicinal:

– The leaves are pounded, soaked in water and the liquid taken to treat indi-

gestion.

– Roots are used for treating indigestion as well as STDs.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is hard and used for firewood, tool handles, spoons and bed-

steads.

EASON: Ripe fruit are collected from April to June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not planted or protected by the local

people, but the species can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Locally common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

275

THE SPECIES

Dovyalis abyssinica Flacourtiaceae

Fruiting branchlet

Enlarged female flower

Enlarged male flower

276

THE SPECIES

Dovyalis macrocalyx Flacourtiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Gogo: Mzuyuyu; Hehe: Mgola, Mnzuyuyu; Haya: Omukangali;

Maasai: Enkoshopini, Olaimurunyai; Zinza: Mkoroto.

ESCRIPTION: A forest shrub or small tree, 3–8 m, much branched, usually spiny

and with conspicuous lenticel dots, the slender young branches arching over.

BARK: Smooth grey. Branches grey-brown, often dotted with breathing pores

(lenticels), bearing straight spines, single, usually needle-like, 1–6 cm,

beside leaves, sometimes absent. LEAVES: Simple, oval, 4–9 cm, pale green,

thin, tip pointed, base broadly rounded to a short stalk (only 3 mm), edge may

be minutely toothed, 3–5 nerves clear and raised on both sides. FLOWERS:

Yellow-green, no petals. Male flowers hairy, in clusters, 1–4, beside leaves,

with about 20 central stamens. Female flowers shortly stalked, soli-

tary, beside leaves, 2 clear styles to 3 mm, 6–10 thin lobes of the calyx sticky,

densely covered with stalked glandular hairs, 6 mm, increasing in size

with the fruit. FRUIT: Orange-red, ovoid, fleshy, to 2 cm long. hanging

down on a stalk to 8 mm, the persistent green sepals finally reflexed and

fringed with glandular hairs, 2 seeds inside the fruit covered with brownish

“wool”.

COLOGY: Occurs in thickets in wooded grasslands and in the under-storey of

montane rainforest, 0–2,600 m; rainfall 1,100–1,900 mm. Thrives in well-

drained deep brown sandy loams and beside rivers.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania including Zanzibar and Pemba Islands,

around the lakes, central, eastern and Southern Highlands; for example. oc-

curs in Iringa, Mwanza, Kagera, Tanga, Pwani and Dodoma Regions. Also in

Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, south to Angola, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Bot-

swana.

SES:

Food:

The ripe sweet-tasting yellow-orange fruit are eaten as a snack, especially

by children.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is hard and used for firewood, building poles and tool handles.

Season: Fruit ripen in March–June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by local peo-

ple.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: It is a possible candidate for domestication. There are 5 indigenous and 1

introduced species of Dovyalis in Tanzania, including:

277

THE SPECIES

1. D. caffra (English: Kei apple) the introduced species originating from South

Africa and is widely planted as a hedge in highland areas of Tanzania. The

fruit are edible and appreciated for making jam;

2. D. xanthocarpa (Hehe: Mgola, Mzuyuyu; Kaguru: Mgola, Mzuyuyu; Zigua:

Mkarato) a shrub or small tree up to 10 m high found in Arusha, Morogoro,

Iringa and Tanga Regions. Similar to other indigenous Dovyalis, this species

also has edible fruit. D. xanthocarpa is endemic to Tanzania.

Dovyalis macrocalyx Flacourtiaceae

D. caffra

Fruit

Flowers

Thorn

Enlarged calyx

Thorns

Fruit

Flowers

D. macrocalyx

278

THE SPECIES

Dracaena mannii (D. usambarensis) Dracaenaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Kiteguzi; Chagga: Isale; Digo: Mupwanga; English: Long-

leaved dragon tree; Haya: Mulamula, Mutendere; Iraqw: Sansuli; Mwera:

Mtetemu; Ngindo: Mtetema; Pare: Isae; Sambaa: Kiteguzi, Longe,

Ng’weng’we; Tongwe: Bulindiye, Bulonje; Zigua: Kalonge; Zinza: Ruhanya.

ESCRIPTION: A palm-like tree to 15 m high with a compact crown, often multi-

stemmed. BARK: Grey or whitish, smooth, marked with leaf scars. LEAVES:

Narrow, elongated, spear shaped, 15–26 cm long, 2–5 cm wide, leathery

and shiny dark green, largely arranged towards the end of branchlets. FLOW-

ERS: Greenish white in loose branched flowering spikes, up to 25 cm long,

sweet scented, open at night, petal lobes as long as the tube of the flower.

FRUIT: Red-brown fleshy berries, up to 2-cm diameter, containing 1–3 seeds.

Fruit stalks bright orange.

COLOGY: Occurs at forest edges, in open gaps and on river banks in moist forest

and swamp forest, 0–1,800 m; rainfall 1,000–2,000 mm. Thrives in a variety of

soil types.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania, e.g. in Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Kagera, Tanga,

Iringa and Mbeya. Also found in Kenya, Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia.

USES:

Food:

Tender shoots are collected, peeled, chopped and roasted or cooked alone or

with beans and served with a staple (ugali or rice) during times of food

scarcity (Sambaa).

Medicinal:

– Leaves are chopped, boiled and the decoction drunk to treat chest pains and

mental illness.

– Roots are washed, chopped and soaked in cold water. The infusion is used to

treat stomach-ache and STDs.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used for fodder, grave and boundary marking, as an orna-

mental and as a source of bee forage.

EASON: Shoots are collected throughout the year.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Shoots are usually collected from the wild, but also from planted

trees. Propagation is usually by cuttings, occasionally by seed.

TATUS: Locally common.

EMARKS: Another species, D. afromontana (Chagga: Sale), is used in peace-mak-

ing ceremonies among the Chagga.

279

THE SPECIES

Dracaena mannii (D. usambarensis) Dracaenaceae

Fruit

One flower

280

THE SPECIES

Drymaria cordata Caryophyllaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Chagga: Ukiko; Matengo: Linyolo; Sambaa: Lugulashili.

ESCRIPTION: A straggling annual herb, usually much branched, soft and hairless,

often creeping along the ground rooting at the nodes. LEAVES: Opposite,

small and heart shaped to oval, thin, over 25 mm long x 22 mm across, tip

pointed, veins somewhat parallel from the base, up to 2 each side of midrib,

tiny stipules. FLOWERS: In terminal twice-branched heads, often on long

thin stalks, 5 narrow sepals to 5 mm, may be sticky due to glandular hairs, 4–

5 bilobed white petals and 5 stamens. FRUIT: A dry capsule, which splits to

release tiny seeds, the sticky sepals remain around the fruit.

COLOGY: Forest edges, often in shade, beside pathways in wetter forests, and rain-

forest but also in dry evergreen forest and grasslands, 900–2,700 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania. Found, for example, around Mbeya and

Lushoto, in Mbizi Forest Reserve (Rukwa Region) and in Ngurdoto Crater

(Arusha Region). Also found in Kenya and Uganda.

SES:

Food:

Tender leaves and shoots are chopped and cooked alone or with other veg-

etables such as amaranth or Bidens and served with a staple.

Medicinal:

– Leaves are dried and pounded. The powder is made into cigarettes which

are smoked to treat chest pain.

– The plant is roasted on a hot pan and the resulting fumes inhaled to treat

headache.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used for fodder and may be suitable for ornamental pur-

poses.

EASON: Can be collected all year round where it occurs in wet places.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and is not cultivated or protected by the local

people. Can be propagated by seed and wildings.

TATUS: Very common within its habitat.

EMARKS: A well-known troublesome weed of fields in wet places.

281

THE SPECIES

Drymaria cordata Caryophyllaceae

Flowering stem

282

THE SPECIES

Duosperma crenatum Acanthaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Gogo: Njelula; Hehe: Nyangelula.

ESCRIPTION: A perennial woody herb or weak shrub with a tangle of branches,

sometimes forming a thicket. Erect stems arise from a woody rootstock. LEAVES:

Opposite, long oval, under 8 cm, tip pointed, the edge shallow toothed,

coarse or rounded, a few rough hairs above, more below, especially along the

midrib, base narrowed to a very short stalk, 6–-7 pairs of clear parallel veins.

FLOWERS: Small, tubular to 8 mm, clustered in leaf axils, pale green

bracts around the flowers with sepals as long as flower tubes, 5 petal lobes

white-yellow (occasionally blue) with dots or lines in the throat, mauve-crim-

son-purple-brown. FRUIT: A 2-sided capsule, to 8 mm, flattened, wider at

the tip, containing round seeds.

COLOGY: A widespread plant, often a dominant shrub under tree cover at forest

edges, in forest where there is a high ground water-table or in riverine wood-

land; also in open bushed grassland, overgrazed land or mixed dry scrub; on

sandy, clay or gravelly soils, on steep gullies and dry rocky areas, semi-desert,

900–1,400 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Occurs in most areas of Tanzania, e.g. in Dodoma, Iringa, Morogoro

and Singida Regions, but not in the west and around the lakes; also in the dry

parts of central and southern Kenya.

SES:

Food:

Leaves are used as a vegetable. Young green leaves are collected, chopped

and cooked alone or mixed with other vegetables such as peas or amaranth;

coconut milk or pounded groundnuts are often added. The vegetable is then

served with a staple.

Medicinal: Green leaves are picked, soaked in water and the liquid drunk by

pregnant women. This is believed to result in an easy and safe delivery.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used for fodder and is suitable as an ornamental. Older

yellowing leaves that are not edible as a vegetable are still good fodder.

EASON: Leaves are collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Only collected from the wild, but can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Locally common.

EMARKS: It is toxic to humans when the leaves are mature and turn yellow.

283

THE SPECIES

Duosperma crenatum Acanthaceae

Fruit capsules

Flower clusters

284

THE SPECIES

Embelia schimperi Myrsinaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Chagga: Ngetsi; Nyiha: Igalilonji; Sambaa: Ngera.

ESCRIPTION: A straggly bush or climber. BARK: Smooth red-brown. Twigs with-

out hairs but with raised pale dots, the breathing pores. LEAVES: Oval, wide

or narrow to 8 cm x 4 cm, tip rounded, narrowing to the base, a red midrib

and stalk to 2 cm. The midrib and 15 or more side veins raised below. FLOW-

ERS: Green-white-cream and tiny, on a hairy stalk from the leaf axil. FRUIT:

Very many on stalks, each rounded, 6 mm across, red when ripe, tipped by the

old style, one seed inside.

COLOGY: Roadsides, thickets, forest edges in medium- and high-altitude areas,

1,000-3,200 m; rainfall 800-2,000 mm. Grows in a wide range of soil types.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in highland areas of Tanzania, e.g. Kilimanjaro, Tanga,

Iringa and Mbeya. Also in Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Cameroon, the Congo ba-

sin, Burundi, Ethiopia, Sudan, Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi.

SES:

Food:

The young leaves are collected and eaten raw in small amounts as a snack,

mostly by cattle herders. They taste salty.

Medicinal:

– Leaves are pounded and the powder is rubbed into swollen breasts of lactat-

ing mothers to treat mastitis.

– Alternatively, the powder is soaked in water and the infusion is drunk to

treat difficult labour in women or for tapeworm.

– Fruit and roots are boiled and the decoction is drunk to treat intestinal worms.

Commercial: Fruit are sold in local markets for medicinal purposes.

Other: The plant is used for fodder.

EASON: Young leaves collected in the early rains.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local peo-

ple.

TATUS: Uncommon, but once found, easy to collect in large amounts.

285

THE SPECIES

Embelia schimperi Myrsinaceae

Fruiting head

Seeds 2 mm across

Flowers from

axillary stalk

Enlar ged seed

Enlarged flower

286

THE SPECIES

Emilia coccinea Compositae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Lisuka; Luguru: Sunga; Sambaa: Chunga kubwa, Chunga

kuu, Limi ja ng’ombe; Sukuma: Igongwe; Swahili: Kilemba cha bwana, Ulimi

wa ngombe.

ESCRIPTION: An erect almost hairless annual herb, usually 30–60 cm, with showy

flower heads. LEAVES: Alternate, long oval or oblong, wider at the base,

clasping the stem, often purple below, edge lightly toothed. FLOWERS: In

loose terminal heads, conspicuous bright yellow to orange, tubular flo-

rets (no spreading ray florets) are twice as long as the green cup-shaped

involucre around the heads, only 6–8 mm, a single row of phyllaries

almost joined together (see illustration). FRUIT: Angular seeds (achenes),

minutely hairy, with bristles.

COLOGY: A conspicuous weed of roadsides, waste places, abundant in old culti-

vated land, often common in dry country at low altitudes, 0–2,000 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Common in East and Central Africa, from Kenya and Tanzania west

to Cameroon and south to Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. In Tanzania it is

common, e.g. in Tanga, Morogoro, Pwani and Lindi Regions.

SES:

Food:

Leaves are collected, chopped and cooked alone or with other vegetables

such as peas or beans. Coconut milk is added and the dish is then eaten with

a staple.

Medicinal:

– Green leaves are crushed and used to treat sores, sinusitis and as a poultice

for wounds.

– Leaves are mixed with those of Ipomoea eriocarpa and soaked in cold water.

The resulting infusion is used as eye drops.

– Roots are boiled and the decoction used to treat STDs.

Commercial: Sold in local markets.

Other: The plant is used for fodder and ornamental purposes.

EASON: Collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Usually collected from the wild, but can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Locally common.

287

THE SPECIES

Emilia coccinea Compositae

One row of phyllaries

almost joined to make

the involucre

Clasping leaves

T ubular florets

288

THE SPECIES

Encephalartos hildebrandtii Zamiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Swahili: Mgwede, Mkwanga, Msapo.

ESCRIPTION: An evergreen palm-like tree with a stout unbranched trunk cov-

ered with leaf scars, reaching up to 6 m, more often a shrub with a rosette

of many leaves. LEAVES: Arching, pinnate, dark green shiny to 3 m, white

woolly when very young; the stalk bearing about 80 pairs of stiff, tough

and leathery leaflets, 15–35 cm long, the sharp tip with 2–3 spiny teeth,

and 1–9 on each margin, faint parallel nerves below, leaflets smaller towards

the base (see illustration). CONES: Male and female plants bear different cones

at the stem apex within the circle of leaves. Male cones, dull red, cylindri-

cal, 20–50 cm high x 5–9 cm across, on a stalk about 15 cm, producing

pollen (after rain). Female cones up to 3, dull green yellow, cylindrical

28–60 cm, to 25 cm across, wider than male cones, also stalked. Cones ripen

brown after pollination by insects, and seeds develop in pairs below the scales,

orange-red, smooth and angular with a fleshy outer layer, the inner

nut to 3 cm long.

COLOGY: Coastal evergreen bushland, lowland forest and dry montane rainforest

on red loams and sandy soil, 0–1,200 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Coastal Tanzania, e.g. recorded in Tanga and Morogoro Regions,

and also common in Zanzibar; Kenya and Uganda.

USES:

Food:

The lower part of the trunk is peeled and chopped or sliced. The slices are

either left in a heap or soaked in water for a week to ferment, then dried in

the sun and pounded and sieved into flour. The flour is used to make uji or

ugali.

Commercial: Not marketed since it is only used during times of famine.

Other: The plant is used for ornamental purposes.

EASON: Collected at all times during periods of food scarcity.

TORAGE: Dried slices and flour can be stored for several months.

ANAGEMENT: Usually collected from the wild, but can be propagated by seed and

suckers.

TATUS: Locally common.

EMARKS: Seeds are also known to be eaten during famine, but now reputed to

cause liver cancer. Baboons and chimpanzees eat the seeds.

289

THE SPECIES

Encephalartos hildebrandtii Zamiaceae

Female cone

Older tree

Young plant with central female cones

290

THE SPECIES

Englerophytum magalismontanum Sapotaceae

(Bequaertiodendron magalismontanum)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Stem fruit; Luguru: Mlembelembe; Mwera: Mtondole;

Swahili: Mduyuyu; Tongwe: Mlangale, Mtwentwe.

ESCRIPTION: An evergreen shrub or small tree, but reaching 10 m in forest (up to

35 m), the thin trunk short, often crooked and fluted, a spreading crown,

dark green and dense. Young parts all covered with conspicuous rusty

brown hairs. All parts contain milky sap. BARK: Grey, fairly smooth, slightly

scaly but covered with small brown-black raised growths on which flow-

ers and fruit are borne. LEAVES: Alternate, well spaced in young plants, but

later mostly crowded at the ends of branches (leaf stipules persist), stiff and

long oval, 4–19 cm long, dark shiny green above, contrasting with pale

silvery to golden brown below (due to silky hairs), midrib clear, tip rounded

or notched, base variable to a stout stalk reaching 2 cm, numerous parallel

side nerves but not well marked. FLOWERS: Strongly scented, tiny, cream-

brown-pink in small clusters, on 1 cm stalks along trunk and branches or

in fallen leaf axils, hairy sepals. FRUIT: Orange-red-maroon, oval to 2.5 cm

long, sharply tipped by the old style and crowded along the old wood, the

tough outer skin encloses red pulp with milky juice and a hard central stone

containing 1–2 flat seeds.

COLOGY: Found in coastal and inland deciduous woodlands, in riverine vegeta-

tion, wooded ravines, especially among rocks in sandy soils, also in anthill thick-

ets, 0–1,500 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Western, eastern and southern Tanzania, including the Southern

Highlands; noted in Kigoma, Iringa, Tabora, Rukwa and Lindi Regions. Wide-

spread in Africa from Guinea, the Congo basin, south through Angola, Zam-

bia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique to Gauteng, Swaziland and Botswana.

SES:

Food:

Ripe fruit are collected from the ground or tree and eaten raw. They are

sweet with a high vitamin C content. They can also be used for making

wine, brandy, syrup and jelly.

Medicinal:

– Roots are pounded and the powder is rubbed on the forehead after scarifica-

tion to treat headache.

– Fruit and roots are pounded and the powder soaked in cold water. The re-

sulting infusion is used as medicine to treat epilepsy.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is hard and heavy and is used for building poles, firewood,

tool handles and spoons.

291

THE SPECIES

SEASON: Ripe fruit are collected from April to June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by the local

people. The species can be propagated easily by fresh seed and cuttings.

STATUS: Occasional within its habitat.

EMARKS: A hardy and fast-growing species suitable for agroforestry.

Englerophytum magalismontanum (contd) Sapotaceae

Flower clusters

along branch

Fruit cluster on old wood

292

THE SPECIES

Englerophytum natalense Sapotaceae

(Bequaertiodendron natalense)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Chagga: Mdulu-ndugu, Ngapillo, Ngapilo; English: Natal milk

plum; Kimbu: Mnumbulu; Nguu: Mdulu; Nyakyusa: Ndabelobe; Sambaa:

Mdulu; Swahili: Mduyuyu; Tongwe: Msolosolo; Zigua: Mdulu.

ESCRIPTION: An evergreen tree, usually 4–12 m but up to 25 m, with spreading

branches which may be rather horizontal, bole may be fluted, all young parts

covered with dense brown hairs. BARK: Brown, flaking or scaling with age.

LEAVES: Alternate, crowded at ends of branchlets, long oval, 7–12 cm, the

thin blade quite stiff, shiny green above but silver-grey below due to fine

lines of hairs, and some long brown hairs, edge slightly rolled under and

wavy, tip pointed or blunt, base narrowed to a rough dark stalk about 1 cm (no

stipules). Veins clearly parallel, close. FLOWERS: Cream, corolla only 6

mm, 1–3 together in axils of current leaves, almost stalkless, surrounded

by 5 hairy brown sepals in one whorl. FRUIT: An oval berry to 3.5 cm

long, red and smooth skinned when ripe, a small beak at the tip containing

edible pulp surrounding 1 seed.

COLOGY: Found in lowland and upland rainforest, riverine, ravine and coastal

forests and in forests with a high ground water-table. Often crowded at forest

margins and in clearings, 0–1,800 m.

ISTRIBUTION: In most parts of Tanzania except western areas and the Southern

Highlands. Has been recorded, for example, around Morogoro and in West

Usambaras. Also found in Uganda, Kenya, south through Malawi, Mozam-

bique, Zimbabwe to South Africa.

SES:

Food:

The fruit are edible. The ripe fruit pulp is fleshy and eaten raw. It is sweet

and much liked by children.

Medicinal: Roots are used as medicine to treat stomach-ache.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for firewood, poles, tool handles, milk pots and spoons.

The tree is used for shade and as an ornamental.

EASON: Ripe fruit are available from April to June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated. This species can be propa-

gated by fresh seed.

STATUS: Locally common.

293

THE SPECIES

Englerophytum natalense Sapotaceae

(Bequaertiodendron natalense)

Ovary, fruit and seed (enlarged)

Lower leaf surface enlarged

to show long hairs

Enlarged flower

294

THE SPECIES

Ensete ventricosum (Musa ensete) Musaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Livangala; Bondei: Tambwe; Bende: Tambwe; Chagga:

Isangaruhu; English: Wild banana; Fipa: Tochi; Hehe: Lilimbili; Luguru:

Koza; Meru: Mukobo; Nyakyusa: Mabangala; Sambaa: Tambwe; Swahili:

Mgomba tumbili, Mgomba mwitu; Tongwe: Kabunditoke; Zigua: Mtabwe,

Tambwe.

ESCRIPTION: A leafy herb 6–12 m, swollen below, the false stem formed by the

leaf bases. LEAVES: Large leaves grow in spirals, each one to 6 m long x 1 m

wide, bright green with a thick pink-red midrib and a short red stalk. The

leaf blades tear with age. FLOWERS: In large hanging heads 2–3 m long,

the white flowers with 1 petal protected by large dark red bracts, 5 stamens

produce sticky pollen. FRUIT: Although the small yellow clusters look like nor-

mal bananas they are not edible. Each leathery fruit, about 9 cm long, contains

many hard seeds, brown-black, to 2 cm long, with only a thin layer of pulp.

The whole plant dies down after fruiting.

COLOGY: Found in upland forest, often in ravines and on steep slopes, in swamps

and on river banks, occasionally also in drier lowland forests, 900–2,300 m;

rainfall 800–2,000 mm. Grows in a variety of soil types but does best in loamy

soils.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in highland areas of East Africa. In Tanzania it is com-

mon in Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Iringa, Morogoro and Mbeya Regions. Also found

in Ethiopia, Cameroon, south to Angola and South Africa.

SES:

Food:

The stem pulp is edible when cooked.

Medicinal:

– The stem and leaves are used to treat liver disease and to prevent miscar-

riages.

– A white powder obtained from the seeds is used to treat wounds. It is applied

on the wound twice a day.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The tree is used as an ornamental and for shade. The seeds are used for

making necklaces and in games. The stem is used as fodder for cattle and

also produces a brown dye. Leaves are used for weaving and thatching.

EASON: Stems are collected at any time during famine.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, but also easily propagated from seed.

TATUS: Locally common.

295

THE SPECIES

REMARKS: The Hehe believe that planting this tree reduces the risk of damage

caused by thunder storms.

Ensete ventricosum (contd) Musaceae

One mature

seed

Young seeds

Flower

Petals removed

Fruit and section

296

THE SPECIES

Eriosema burkei var. burkei Papilionaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Ng’owo; Matengo: Inzihuluumbi; Nyamwezi: Kapande.

ESCRIPTION: A short erect herb, with one or a few branched stems from a large

woody rootstock (which survives bush fires), the stem flattened, to 28 cm,

covered with rusty-brown hairs. LEAVES: Compound, with 1–3 leaflets, on

a stalk 2–5 cm, with a pair of narrow hairy stipules at the base, each

leaflet shortly stalked, oval and wider at the rounded tip, hairy and glandular

below with raised veins. FLOWERS: Usually appearing when the plant is en-

tirely leafless, on a stalk to 7 cm, topped by a 5-cm section of flowers, each tiny

flower stalk strongly bent downwards, hairy bracts fall early, the calyx

also hairy with 5 pointed lobes, the standard petal hairy, glandular

outside, about 1 cm long, yellow, marked pink-orange-brown (the style

bent at or below the middle). FRUIT: Pods crowded at the tip of the stalk,

unusually short and rounded to 1.5 cm long, tip pointed, covered by long

rusty brown and glandular hairs, containing 2 seeds, speckled brown-black

with a cream aril on the rim.

COLOGY: This plant grows in seasonally burnt grassland or grassland with scat-

tered trees, 1,500–1,800.

DISTRIBUTION: Found only in the Southern Highlands, e.g. in Mbeya, Songea and

Iringa Regions. Also found in the southern part of the Congo basin, Zimbabwe,

Angola and South Africa (Gauteng).

SES:

Food:

The root tubers are dug up, washed and chewed raw. They are starchy and

chewed like raw cassava but have a strong smell.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant can be used for fodder.

EASON: Tubers are collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated.

TATUS: Occasional within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: Several Eriosema species are edible, including E. ukingense (Bondei:

Kibaazi-mzitu; Matengo: Inzihuluumbi; Sambaa: Kibaazi-mzitu) which is

an erect herb 15–35 cm high found in Iringa and Songea Regions.

297

THE SPECIES

Eriosema burkei var. burkei Papilionaceae

Under ground root tuber

1–3 leaflets

Flowers

Fruit pods

298

THE SPECIES

Erythrococca kirkii Euphorbiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Mnyembeuwe; Hehe: Lutini, Nyakibiki, Nyamtulo;

Sambaa: Mnyembeue; Zigua: Mnyembeuwe.

DESCRIPTION: A much-branched straggling or erect herb, often a climbing shrub,

1–3.5 m. BARK: Rough, twigs pale-grey-green, with clear breathing pores.

LEAVES: Long oval, 3–12 cm, tip long but blunt, the edge round toothed,

narrowed to a stalk about 1 cm, 6–8 pairs of looped veins, almost hairless. Stip-

ules triangular, pointed, persistent. FLOWERS: No petals, tiny, green-

white in dense stalkless clusters, male clusters 1–2 cm across, fewer female

flowers in a cluster, a 3-part purple ovary, white stigmas. FRUIT: 3-lobed,

each lobe 3–4 mm (sometimes only 1 or 2 develop to maturity), hairless, yel-

low-green-red, ripening purple. They break open to show the orange-red

aril around the seed.

COLOGY: A plant of forest edges, coastal bushland or thickets, inland mostly along

rivers or beside lakes, 0–1,200 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique.

SES:

Food:

– Leaves are collected, chopped and cooked alone, or pounded groundnuts or

coconut milk may be added, thus making a slippery vegetable known locally

as mlenda which is only eaten with ugali.

– Leaves are cooked as a mixture with other vegetables such as Amaranthus,

Bidens or Galinsoga and served with a staple (ugali, rice or bananas).

– Ripe fruit are eaten raw around Ismani, Iringa Region.

Commercial: Sold in local markets.

Other: The wood is used for firewood. The leaves are used for fodder. The plant

is used for ornamental purposes.

EASON: Leaves are collected from February to June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by the local

people. It can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Locally common.

EMARKS: A popular wild vegetable plant among the Bondei, Sambaa and Zigua

people. Useful since it has green leaves all year round.

299

THE SPECIES

Erythrococca kirkii Euphorbiaceae

Female flowering and fruiting stem

Fruit breaking open

Female flower

Male flower

300

THE SPECIES

Eugenia capensis subsp. nyassensis Myrtaceae

(E. bukobensis)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Dune myrtle, Northern wild myrtle; Hehe: Kivengi;

Nyamwezi: Kasya mongo; Swahili: Mkangaa; Wanji: Sing’ani; Zinza:

Mtukizai.

ESCRIPTION: A bushy shrub or tree to 5 m, the branches hanging down. Many

stems hairy. BARK: Moderately smooth. LEAVES: Dull green, more or less

opposite, long oval, 2–7 cm long, the tip drawn out but blunt, shortly stalked.

The thin leaves are aromatic when crushed and when held against the light

gland dots are visible. FLOWERS: 3–9 together on thin stalks next to leaves,

the 4 tiny white petals, sometimes slightly pink, are fragrant, the flower about

1 cm across with a central mass of stamens, the calyx tube rounded and

its 4 lobes shorter than petals. FRUIT: Oval to 1.5 cm long, fleshy yellow-

red, ripening purple-black (becoming hard brown—like coffee berries), tipped

by the remains of the calyx, pleasant to taste but acid.

COLOGY: An under-storey shrub of forest edges, found in riverine woodland, wooded

grassland, thickets (on islands in Lake Victoria), occasionally in mountain for-

ests.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in the western areas of Tanzania, e.g. in Tabora, Kagera,

Mwanza and Kigoma Regions. From Tanzania and Uganda south to South

Africa and on Madagascar.

SES:

Food:

Ripe fruit are fleshy, sweet and eaten raw as a snack. They are much liked

by herdsmen and forest workers.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is white, hard and heavy and is used for firewood, charcoal,

poles and spoons.

EASON: Ripe fruit are collected from June to December.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by the local

people. Can be propagated using fresh seed.

STATUS: Locally common.

EMARKS: E. malangensis (Hehe: Kivengi, Mbugavugoo) is a woody herb, 30–35

cm high, with alternate leaves and small purple fruit which are edible. It is

found in Iringa and Songea Regions. It also occurs in Malawi and southwards

to Zimbabwe.

301

THE SPECIES

Eugenia capensis subsp. nyassensis Myrtaceae

(E. bukobensis)

Flower clusters

Fruit

302

THE SPECIES

Fadogia ancylantha Rubiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Fiome: Booami; Hehe: Kindokoli, Kitokoli; Matengo: Manduguli,

Mandunguli.

DESCRIPTION: A herb or shrub to 1.8 m with several woody stems (rounded or trian-

gular), growing out of a woody rootstock, to 2 cm across. LEAVES: In opposite

pairs or whorls of 3, oval, 3–11 cm, the tip pointed, base narrowed to a tiny

stalk, blade thin, sometimes a few hairs, a pair of hairy stipules have hairy tips

to 7 mm. FLOWERS: Green-yellow and tubular, 2–3 together on a stalk about

1 cm, beside leaves, the slender corolla tube distinctly curved and wider

above, to 2.8 cm long, with 5 triangular lobes, pale-yellow-white inside, the

calyx just a short rim without teeth. FRUIT: A round 5-lobed berry, about

1.2-cm diameter.

COLOGY: Grassland with scattered trees, high grassland, Acacia and Combretum

wooded grassland as well as Brachystegia woodland; also in old cultivation,

100–1,900 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in most parts of Tanzania but not Tanga Region. Also occurs

from Nigeria, the Congo basin, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda and Sudan south to

Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

SES:

Food:

– Ripe fruit are fleshy and eaten raw. They are sweet, have a pleasant smell

and are much favoured by children and herdsmen.

– Dry leaves are boiled and used as tea (Hehe, Fipa, Rangi).

– The nectar produced by flowers is sweet and sucked by children.

Medicinal: Roots are chewed and then used as a toothbrush which helps stop

bleeding from the gums.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is useful as a source of bee forage and ornamental purposes.

EASON: Ripe fruit are collected from October to January.

TORAGE: Dried and pounded leaves can be stored for use later as tea.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated. Propagation can be done

using fresh seed.

TATUS: Occasional within its area of distribution.

303

THE SPECIES

Fadogia ancylantha Rubiaceae

Fruit

Flowers

304

THE SPECIES

Fadogia cienkowskii var. cienkowskii Rubiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Hehe: Kindokoli, Kitokoli; Matengo: Vikoko ndumbila; Nyamwezi:

Kambolambola; Nyasa: Vikoko ndumbila.

DESCRIPTION: A woody herb or undershrub with few to many unbranched stems

reaching 1 m from a woody rhizome, stems usually covered with dense pale

rusty hairs. LEAVES: In whorls of 3–4, blades 2–8 cm long x 4.5 cm wide,

tip usually pointed, shiny above with few hairs but paler below, a mat of

coarse rusty-grey hairs cover additional short white hairs below, stalks

only 1.5 mm, hairy stipules to 9 mm. FLOWERS: Bright cream-yellow, 2–6

together, grow from leaf axils on stalks less than 1 cm, buds pointed, hairy,

flower tube to 3.8 mm, the yellow-green-white stigma protruding beyond the

flower lobes. FRUIT: Shiny, rounded, to 1 cm across, crowned by old calyx

lobes, dark green ripening black, containing 1–3 seeds.

COLOGY: Grassland, including upland grassland, seasonally wet grassland, regu-

larly burnt grassland, wooded grassland with Protea, Combretum or Uapaca

and open Brachystegia woodland; also on rocky slopes in bamboo zones on some

mountains (Uganda), 1,000–2,100 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Western Tanzania, e.g. recorded from Kigwa Forest Reserve and

Sikonge in Tabora Region, and also in Kigoma Region. Also found in Uganda,

Kenya, from West Africa to Sudan and Ethiopia, south to Zambia, Malawi,

Zimbabwe and Angola.

SES:

Food:

– Ripe fruit are fleshy, sweet and eaten raw. They are eaten as a snack by

children and herdsmen.

– Green leaves are collected and used for tea.

– The nectar from flowers is sweet and sucked by children.

Medicinal: Roots are used for treating infertility.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is a good source of bee forage and as an ornamental.

EASON: Ripe fruit are collected from October to April.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated. It can be propagated by

fresh seed.

TATUS: Occasional within its area of distribution.

305

THE SPECIES

Fadogia cienkowskii var. cienkowskii Rubiaceae

One fruit

Pointed buds

Prominent stigma of

flower

306

THE SPECIES

Fadogia elskensii var. elskensii Rubiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Fiome: Booami; Fipa: Nakalondo; Hehe: Kindokoli, Kitokoli;

Matengo: Madunguli.

DESCRIPTION: A shrubby herb with several unbranched stems to 25–90 cm from

a woody rootstock, the upper stems 4-angled, all densely hairy. LEAVES: In

whorls of 3–4, oval blades 4–9 cm, tip usually sharp pointed, base rounded to a

2 mm stalk, the upper surface raised between the veins (bullate), the hairs not

obscuring the surface, but below dense woolly, velvety grey-white-brown

hairs cover the surface completely. Stipules with a narrowed tip. FLOW-

ERS: Small, yellow-green-cream in axillary groups, 1–5, shortly stalked, buds

pointed, hairy, tube 4 mm, 5 petals and sepals. FRUIT: Rounded, shiny, black

about 1-cm diameter, containing up to 5 rough seeds.

COLOGY: In woodland with Brachystegia, Isoberlinia, Uapaca, Protea, grassland

including grasslands subject to seasonal burning, 1,000–1,800.

DISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania except in Tanga Region and central areas

of the country, e.g. around Mkimbizi in Iringa. Also in the Congo basin, Burundi

and Malawi.

SES:

Food:

– Ripe fruit are sweet and eaten raw.

– The nectar from flower tubes is sweet and sucked by children.

Medicinal: Roots are boiled with porridge and taken to treat infertility in

women.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is useful as a source of bee forage and as an ornamental.

EASON: Ripe fruit are collected from October to January.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated. This species can be propa-

gated by seed and cuttings from stem base or rootstock.

TATUS: Locally common.

EMARKS: F. elskensii var. ufipaensis, a woody herb up to 25 cm high, with leaves

with short soft hairs, is found in Sumbawanga District and also in the Congo

basin. The fruit of this variety are also edible.

307

THE SPECIES

Fadogia elskensii var. elskensii Rubiaceae

Fruit and seed

Bud and flower

Stipules

308

THE SPECIES

Fadogia homblei Rubiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Hehe: Kindokoli, Kitokoli; Matengo: Vikoko-ndumbila; Nyamwezi:

Kambolambola; Nyasa: Vikoko ndumbila.

DESCRIPTION: An erect shrubby herb to 1 m, the 3–4 angled stems often reddish

and many arising from a slender underground rhizome. LEAVES: Simple, in

whorls of 3–5, the blades long and narrow, 3–12 cm, tapering to a fine point,

narrowed at the base to a very short stalk, green and hairless above but

much paler below, drying white because of dense tiny velvety hairs; a

pair of stipules joined in a sheath around the stem have hairy threads at the

tip, to 8 mm long. FLOWERS: Small, pale to bright yellow, in clusters of 2–

5 flowers on a short stalk in leaf axils, buds clearly pointed as the 5–6 tri-

angular sepal lobes reach 3.5 mm and the corolla tube is only 3–4 mm,

hairy within, the 5 tiny lobes oblong-triangular with a hairy tip. FRUIT: Clus-

ters of fleshy edible black berries, often one-sided, topped by the persistent ca-

lyx, containing 2–3 seeds.

COLOGY: Grassland, grassland with

scattered trees, Brachystegia

woodland, 1,000–2,100 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in western, cen-

tral and Southern Highlands of

Tanzania, e.g. Sao Hill, Iringa.

Also in the Congo basin, Mozam-

bique, Malawi, Zambia, Zimba-

bwe, Angola and South Africa.

SES:

Food:

– Ripe fruit are sweet and eaten

fresh.

– The nectar from flower tubes is

sweet and sucked by children.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is good as a source

of bee forage and as an ornamen-

tal.

EASON: Ripe fruit are collected from

October to January.

STORAGE: Not stored.

Under ground rhizome

Fruit

Flowering shoot

309

THE SPECIES

MANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and

not cultivated. It can be propagated by

seed, and cuttings from rootstock.

TATUS: Occasional within its area of dis-

tribution.

EMARKS: There are some 8 species of

Fadogia in Tanzania which are edible,

including the following:

1. F. stenophylla (Fipa: Nakalondo;

Hehe: Kindokoli, Kitokoli;

Nyamwezi: Kambolambola) a

shrubby herb 6–40 cm high with

whorled leaves and small edible fruit.

It is found around Iringa, Rungwe,

Biharamulo, Kibondo and

Sumbawanga, and also in Angola,

Burundi and Malawi southwards to

Zimbabwe;

2. F. tetraquerta var. grandiflora

(Hehe: Kindokoli, Kitokoli;

Nyamwezi: Kambo-lambola) a sub-

shrub 20–120 cm high with short soft

hairs on stems and leaves and small

edible fruit. It is found around

Tabora, Iringa and Biharamulo, and

also in Angola, Cameroon, Guinea,

Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe and

South Africa;

3. F. triphylla var. gorgii (Hehe:

Kindokoli, Kitokoli, Nyamwezi:

Kambo-lambola, Kamfyonfyo) a sub-

shrub up to 45 cm high with very

fragrant flowers found around

Tabora, Singida, Sumbawanga and

Iringa, and also in the Congo basin,

Malawi and Zambia.

Fadogia homblei (contd) Rubiaceae

F. stenophylla

Under ground rhizome

Fruit

Flowers

310

THE SPECIES

Feretia apodanthera subsp. tanzaniensis Rubiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Gogo: Mpakapaka; Hehe: Mnanyeza; Nyamwezi: Mginya; Rangi:

Ikechu; Sukuma: Mbuguswa.

DESCRIPTION: A deciduous shrub or small tree to 6 m, young stems usually without

hairs in subspecies tanzaniensis. BARK: Smooth, red-grey, splitting to reveal a

white underbark. LEAVES: Opposite, small, oval blades, 1–5 cm, tip rounded

or sharply tipped, some fine hairs or none, base rounded to a stalk to 1 cm,

stipules present between leaf stalks. FLOWERS: Appear before or with

new leaf growth, easily recognized as the flowers are striking on the bare

tree, one or few flowers together on short shoots, white flushed pink or plain

pink, tubular to 2.5 cm long with a hairy throat, 5 blunt-tipped lobes, a hairy

style in the centre and a calyx with 5 pointed lobes to 5 mm. FRUIT: Round,

fleshy berries, pink to bright red or white with purple streaks, to 1.7

cm diameter, containing several flat pale brown seeds.

COLOGY: Bushland, coastal bushland, thickets, often near rivers or on dry hill-

sides, forest margins, 0–1,400 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Widely distributed in Tanzania, e.g. in Dodoma and Shinyanga

Regions, in Ruaha National Park (Iringa Region) and Mwanihala Forest Re-

serve (Tabora Region).

SES:

Food:

The red fleshy pulp of ripe fruit is eaten raw. Ripe fruit are collected from

the tree and eaten as a snack, especially by herdsmen and children, for

quenching hunger and thirst.

Medicinal:

– Roots are soaked in cold water and the infusion used as a cold bath for ba-

bies as a preventive magic charm against various ailments and to assure

good health (Nyamwezi).

– Roots are boiled and the infusion drunk to treat stomach-ache.

– The powder obtained from pounded roots is used to treat wounds.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The tree is used for making live fences.

EASON: Fruit are available from April to July.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated. It can be propagated by

seeds and cuttings.

TATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: The subspecies tanzaniensis is only found in Tanzania and has larger

fruit than subsp. keniensis.

311

THE SPECIES

Feretia apodanthera subsp. tanzaniensis Rubiaceae

Flowering branches

Open flower

Fruiting branches

Fruit

312

THE SPECIES

Ficus stuhlmannii Moraceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Arusha: Olkilili; Iraqw: Pombosimo, Tiita; Maasai: Olkolili;

Nyamwezi: Mgumo; Nyaturu: Mulumba, Munianyonyi; Sukuma: Mgumo.

ESCRIPTION: A medium-sized deciduous fig, often an epiphyte and strangler, to 10

m, with a dense well-formed crown. BARK: Pale grey-white, clearly ribbed

and fluted, darker with age and cracking irregularly. Leafy branchlets have

white or yellow hairs, older twigs flaking. LEAVES: Variable in size, oblong to

oval, large and stiff, 2.5–18 cm long, leathery dark green, shiny above with

a few hairs, more hairs below, especially along veins, base rounded to

heart shaped; 4–7 pairs lateral veins, the basal pair usually reaching the

margin below the middle of the blade, net veining clear, a thick leaf stalk to 4

cm long, pale yellow hairy stipules soon fall. FIGS: Rounded, usually less

than 1 cm (1.5–2.2 when fresh), single or in pairs in leaf axils or below, velvet

hairy, green at first, turning pink-purple-red when ripe, almost stalkless,

the fig opening is just a slit.

COLOGY: A species of lower montane woodland, up to 1,800 m; rainfall 1,000–

1,400 mm. Thrives in a variety of soil types.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in all parts of Tanzania and in Kenya, the Congo basin and

south to Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana.

SES:

Food:

The ripe or unripe figs are collected, especially by children, and eaten with

the seeds as a snack. The pulp is sweet when ripe but watery when unripe.

Medicinal:

– Roots are boiled and the decoction is drunk by mothers to stimulate lactation.

– Roots are also used as a magic charm.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The tree is used for shade and the bark for fibre. Fruit are also eaten by

birds.

EASON: Usually collected in June–July.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, but also protected by the local people. Can

be propagated by seed and cuttings.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

313

THE SPECIES

Ficus stuhlmannii Moraceae

Fruiting branch

314

THE SPECIES

Ficus sur (F. capensis) Moraceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Mdzombe; Chagga: Mkuu; English: Wild fig, Fipa: Unku;

Hehe: Msombe; Luguru: Mkuyu, Mtakule; Maasai: Engaboli; Matengo:

Milola; Ngindo: Mkuyu; Ngoni: Milola; Nyamwezi: Mkuyu; Pare: Mkuu;

Rufiji: Mkuku; Sambaa: Mkuyu, Mvumo; Swahili: Mkuju, Mkuyu,

Mwangajo; Tongwe: Ikubila.

ESCRIPTION: A large deciduous tree to 20 m high with the trunk up to 150 cm in

diameter, occasionally buttressed. BARK: Smooth, grey, darker grey-brown with

age. LEAVES: Large, broadly oval, to 13–20 cm, usually smooth, edge often

widely toothed, sometimes wavy, veins clear below, stalk grooved and flexible

to 6 cm. FIGS: In heavy clusters, to 70 cm long, on branches from trunk

to older wood, figs round, 2–4 cm across, on stalks, orange-red, often hairy,

soft and edible but watery and tasteless, having many seeds and often insects

too.

COLOGY: Forest, riverine, wooded grassland, often left in cleared places in low-

land and medium-altitude areas, up to 2,100 m; rainfall 800–1,800 mm. Thrives

best in red sandy clay loams and sandy loams, but tolerates a wide range of soil

types.

ISTRIBUTION: Extends from Central Africa to Yemen, and to southern Africa. Wide-

spread in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.

SES:

Food:

Figs are collected when ripe, cut open, seeds removed and the pulp eaten.

They are sweet and very juicy and eaten as a refreshing snack, especially by

children.

Medicinal:

– The bark is used by the Maasai to treat stomach-ache and diarrhoea in ba-

bies. The Digo use the roots to treat coughs.

– Bark is soaked in water and the liquid dripped into the mouth of a woman

who is breast-feeding. The rest of the liquid is used to massage the breasts to

increase lactation (Hehe).

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: This large tree is used for shade. The wood is used for canoes, water

pots, beehives, stools and grain mortars, and the latex for making balls and

bird lime.

EASON: Collected at the end of the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local peo-

ple.

315

THE SPECIES

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: It is a nutritious fig. The tree is considered to trap moisture, and other

moisture-demanding plants are often found regenerating in its shade. It does

not compete with agricultural crops.

Ficus sur (F. capensis) (contd) Moraceae

Fruit on stalks from

old wood

One round fruit

316

THE SPECIES

Ficus sycomorus Moraceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Arusha: Olngaboli; Barabaig: Aantsi; Chagga: Mkuu; English:

Sycamore fig; Fiome: Kuyu; Fipa: Kivuzi; Gogo: Mkuyu, Mrumba; Hehe:

Msombe; Gorowa: Aantsi; Iraqw: Aantsi; Maasai: Engaboli, Olgnangboli,

Olmangulai, Olnanboli, Orng’aboli; Ngindo: Mkuyu; Nyamwezi: Mkuyu;

Nyaturu: Mukuyu; Rangi: Mkuyu, Msambu, Mukuyu; Sambaa: Mkuyu;

Sandawi: Sákána; Swahili: Mkuyu; Tongwe: Ikuku; Zaramo: Mkuyu.

ESCRIPTION: A large semi-deciduous spreading tree to 25 m, sometimes with stem

buttresses and the base commonly spreading over the ground. Abundant

white latex when cut. BARK: Distinctive yellow to cream-brown, smooth,

older stems have rectangular scales which fall leaving pale brown patches.

LEAVES: Oval to almost circular, to 15 cm, upper surface rough to touch,

margin wavy, roughly toothed, base heart shaped, a hairy stalk to 3 cm.

FRUIT: In leaf axils in pairs or in dense clusters on main branches and trunk,

each rounded, 1.5–5 cm across, usually about 3 cm when fresh, wider

at the tip, densely hairy and yellow-red when ripe.

Ecology: Widespread on alluvial soils in valleys and riverine in dry areas. Also in

wooded grassland, often associated with Acacia tortilis and A. gerrardii. Does

well in medium-altitude areas, up to 2,100 m; rainfall 600–1,800 mm.

ISTRIBUTION: A fig tree that is widespread all over tropical Africa. Common in all

parts of Tanzania.

SES:

Food:

The sweet ripe orange figs are collected and chewed to suck out the juice and

the rest is rejected. It is eaten as a snack.

Medicinal: The bark and latex are used to treat diarrhoea, sore throat, chest

and glandular complaints.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: This huge tree is used for shade while its wood is used for grain mor-

tars, doors, beehives, canoes, stools and domestic utensils.

EASON: The figs are collected at the end of the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by the local

people.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

317

THE SPECIES

Ficus sycomorus Moraceae

Y oung fruit

318

THE SPECIES

Ficus vallis-choudae Moraceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Fig; Gogo: Mkuju, Mkuyu; Luguru: Mkuyu; Meru: Ikuu;

Nyakyusa: Mkuju; Rangi: Mkuyu, Msaambu, Msambu, Mumu; Sambaa:

Mkuyu; Swahili: Mkuyu; Tongwe: Ihambwa.

ESCRIPTION: A huge tree, 6–20 m, with a widely spreading crown, buttresses some-

times present. BARK: Rough, grey to pale brown. Leafy twigs, often white or

hairy, skin flaking when dry. LEAVES: More or less stiff, dark green, easily

recognized, wide oval, the base heart shaped, about 20 cm long and across

(4–24 cm), the edge widely toothed, mostly wavy, usually without hairs,

the stalk 2–11 cm. The 2 main lateral veins from the base reach beyond the

middle of the leaf, 3–5 other veins each side of the midrib. FIGS: Single, about

3–6 cm across when fresh, beside or just below leaves, succulent and edible,

round to oval, yellow-orange with orange stripes when ripe, hairy or not,

on a short woody stalk.

COLOGY: A riverine tree, also beside lakes and in forests with a high ground wa-

ter-table, 400–1,800 m.

DISTRIBUTION: In most parts of Tanzania excluding the southern areas and areas

near the lakes. Also in Kenya, Uganda, extending to Guinea and Mali, Ethio-

pia, northern Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

SES:

Food:

Figs are edible. Ripe fruit are fleshy and eaten raw. Fresh fruit are usually

collected from the tree and eaten as a snack, especially by children and herds-

men.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for cheap furniture, domestic utensils, beer pots, grain

mortars, stools, water containers and beehives, drums, canoes and cattle

troughs, shade and fuel.

EASON: Ripe fruit are available from November to June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated. However, it can be propa-

gated by seed and cuttings.

TATUS: Locally common.

EMARKS: Several other species of figs are edible, including the following:

1. F. sansibarica (Chagga: Mkuu; English: Fig; Maasai: Engaboli; Makonde:

Undola; Ngindo: Mpoloto, Mpondopondo; Nyakyusa: Mtulutulu; Swahili:

Mkuyu) a large tree up to 40 m tall found in Kigoma, Lindi, Mtwara and Iringa

Regions and on Zanzibar Island. It is also found in Mozambique, south to Zam-

bia, Zimbabwe and South Africa;

319

THE SPECIES

Ficus vallis-choudae Moraceae

Fruit and section

320

THE SPECIES

2. F. glumosa var. glaberrima (Gogo: Mulumba; Hehe: Msombe; Nyamwezi:

Mkuyu, Mlumba; Rangi: Mkuyu, Mumu; Swahili: Mkuyu; Tongwe: Ikuku)

a tree 10–15 m tall with a dense crown found in all Regions of Tanzania. Also

common in Kenya, Uganda, extending to Senegal, Yemen and South Africa;

Ficus vallis-choudae (contd) Moraceae

F. glumosa var. glaberrina

321

THE SPECIES

Ficus vallis-choudae (contd) Moraceae

3. F. ingens (Gogo: Mulumba; Hehe: Msombe; Makonde: Ndebela, Ndola;

Nyamwezi: Mlumba, Mvila; Rangi: Mumu; Sambaa: Mvumo) a tree up to 18

m high, also found all over Tanzania and extending to Yemen, Senegal, An-

gola, Botswana and South Africa.

F. ingens

T erminal and axillary buds

Ripe fig showing

scales over opening

322

THE SPECIES

Flacourtia indica Flacourtiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Mgola; Bende: Msunga; Chagga: Msambochi, Msanbachi;

Digo: Duruma, Madungatundu, Mnyondoiya, English: Governor’s plum, In-

dian plum; Fipa: Mwanga; Gorowa: Tsapenai; Hehe: Mgola; Iraqw:

Sokhaimo; Luguru: Mgora, Mgura; Maasai: Oldongurgurwo, Oldongururwo,

Oloireroi; Matengo: Mbilipili, Mng’unga; Mwera: Mtaswa, Mtawa; Ngindo:

Mtaba; Nyamwezi: Mpuguswa, Mpunguswa, Msingila, Msungwi; Nyaturu:

Musingisa; Rangi: Mtundukarya; Rufiji: Mtawa; Sukuma: Mpuguswa;

Swahili: Mchongoma, Mgo, Mgovigovi, Mkingili; Tongwe: Lusungunimba;

Zaramo: Mtawa; Zigua: Mgola; Zinza: Msungusu.

ESCRIPTION: A deciduous spiny shrub or small tree, usually 3–5 m; spines on the

trunk usually straight, sometimes branched, up to 12 cm long but quite vari-

able. BARK: Rough, pale yellow-grey, branches may have a yellow powder

at first. LEAVES: Variable in size, oval, to 12 cm, edge toothed, 4–7 pairs,

veins clear on both surfaces, stalk to 2 cm. FLOWERS: Small, cream, fragrant;

male flowers with very many yellow stamens, female flowers with a divided

spreading style. FRUIT: Red-purple-black, round and juicy but acid, to 2.5

cm across, persisting on the tree. They contain up to 10 small hard and flat

seeds.

COLOGY: Does well in montane woodland and at forest edges, 0–2,400 m; rainfall

1,000–1,800 mm. Thrives in a variety of soil types.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in all parts of Tanzania. Widespread in the rest of tropical

and subtropical Africa, Madagascar and the Seychelles; also in Asia.

SES:

Food:

– The fruit are collected from the tree and eaten straight away, especially

during famine periods, and also as a snack.

– A good jam is made by boiling the fruit with sugar.

Medicinal:

– Leaves are used as medicine to treat asthma, as a tonic for anaemia and for

treating screw worm in cattle.

– Roots are used to treat indigestion and stomach pains, snakebite and infer-

tility.

– Fresh roots are washed and dried and the bark grated on a rough stone. The

resulting powder is soaked in a small amount of salty water to make a paste

which is licked for treating sore throat and cough.

Commercial: Sold in local markets.

Other: The wood is white and tough and used for firewood, charcoal, spoons,

bedsteads and building poles.

323

THE SPECIES

Flacourtia indica (contd) Flacourtiaceae

SEASON: Ripe fruit are collected from December to July.

TORAGE: Ripe fruit can be dried in the sun and later soaked in water before being

eaten.

MANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, but sometimes cultivated or retained in farms.

Can be propagated by seed, but they require scarification (cracking, piercing)

first.

TATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

REMARKS: A promising fruit tree suitable for agroforestry.

Leafy branch with thorns and ripe fruit

324

THE SPECIES

Flueggea virosa (Securinega virosa) Euphorbiaceae

Indigenous [Plate 2]

OCAL NAMES: English: Snowberry tree; Maasai: Embaingu; Matengo:

Kimbalapala; Ngindo: Kipalapala bonde, Mtetakana; Ngoni: Mtengula;

Sambaa: Mkwamba; Swahili: Mkwamba, Mteja.

ESCRIPTION: A deciduous much-branched shrub, usually 1–3 m, occasionally a

tree to 7 m. BARK: Red-brown, smooth, later rough. Branchlets and leaf

stalks purple-red. LEAVES: Simple and alternate, very variable, to 6 cm,

wider at the tip, which may be notched, grey below. FLOWERS: Male and

female plants. Flowers small, green-yellow, sweet-scented, in leaf axils,

male flowers in clusters but only 1–5 female flowers. FRUIT: Small white

berries, only 5 mm across but edible and sweet. Pale green berries ripen

white, 4–5 mm across, edible and sweet with 5 soft segments containing

tiny seeds, pale brown and shiny.

COLOGY: Locally common in a wide variety of plant associations, mainly forest

edges and associated bushland, generally in higher rainfall areas, bushland

and thicket, extending into dry areas along water courses, sometimes on ter-

mite mounds, rocky slopes and common in disturbed places, 0–2,300 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in all areas of Tanzania, including Zanzibar and Pemba.

Also in Uganda, Kenya and the rest of Africa from Senegal to Somalia, south to

Namibia; southern Arabian peninsular, Socotra, Madagascar and east to Ja-

pan.

SES:

Food:

Ripe fruit are juicy, sweet and eaten raw, usually by children but by every-

one during times of food scarcity.

Medicinal:

– Roots are boiled and the decoction used for treating bilharzia.

– Leaves are pounded, fermented and used as medicine for malaria. Leaves

are also used to treat stomach-ache.

– Fruit are crushed and rubbed into itching skin.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is hard and used for firewood, withies, toothbrushes, storage

pots and pegs. Leaves and fruit are used for fodder. Also eaten by birds.

EASON: Fruit are available from April to June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated. Can be propagated by

seed.

TATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: A fast-growing hardy shrub suitable for planting in wet land.

325

THE SPECIES

Flueggea virosa (Securinega virosa) Euphorbiaceae

Fruiting branch

Fruit

One fruit section

326

THE SPECIES

Friesodielsia obovata Annonaceae

(Popowia obovata)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Bastard dwaba-berry, Monkey fingers, Northern dwaba-

berry; Hehe: Mduguya; Nyamwezi: Msalasi; Nyasa: Kunjengunjengu;

Sukuma: Nsalasi.

ESCRIPTION: A shrub or small tree 1–5 m, but can be a scrambler or climber, the

branches spreading or drooping. BARK: Young branches with soft yellow hairs,

later grey-brown becoming dark grey. LEAVES: A clear blue-green, about 5–

10 cm long, paler below, softly hairy when young, alternate, tip rounded, base

rounded or lobed, on a short thick stalk, veins pale and clear both sides. FLOW-

ERS: Single, from a leaf-like bract just above the leaf axil, deep cream-

yellow with 3 outer and 3 inner petals, the latter curved around the stamens.

FRUIT: Bright scarlet-red when ripe, 3–8 together hanging down like “sau-

sages” or “fingers”, each cylindrical to 7 cm long, constricted between seeds,

hanging a long time on the tree, an acid-sweet edible flesh around the seeds.

COLOGY: Found in open woodlands or grasslands, thickets, especially riverine fring-

ing thickets, on termite mounds, rocky hills, often on sandy or granitic soils,

400–1,200 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in Tanzania, the Congo basin, Angola, Botswana, Malawi,

Mozambique, Zimbabwe. Widespread in Tanzania, e.g. found in Shinyanga,

Tabora, Lindi and Iringa Regions.

SES:

Food:

Ripe fruit are sweet but slightly acid and are eaten fresh. The fleshy pulp is

swallowed and seeds are either discarded or also swallowed. They are much

liked by people of all ages. Juice and jam are made from the fruit.

Medicinal: Roots are boiled and the decoction is used for stomach-ache, infer-

tility in women and as an antidote for snakebite (Nyamwezi).

Commercial: Sold in local markets.

Other: The wood is hard and used for firewood, walking sticks, clubs, tool

handles, withies, grain stores (Vihenge—Nyamwezi). Fruit are also eaten

by birds.

EASON: Ripe fruit are available from April to June.

TORAGE: Not usually stored, but occasionally dried in the sun and later soaked in

warm water before being eaten.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated. Can be propagated using

fresh seed, which must be scarified (cracked or pierced) before sowing.

STATUS: Locally common.

327

THE SPECIES

Friesodielsia obovata Annonaceae

(Popowia obovata)

Fruit—part of skin

removed to show pulp

Fruiting branchlet

Seeds

Flower

328

THE SPECIES

Garcinia buchananii Clusiaceae (Guttiferae)

(G. huillensis)

Indigenous [Plate 2]

OCAL NAMES: English: Granite garcinia; Ha: Umusalasi; Hehe: Mduma, Mfilafila;

Matengo: Mholoholo; Maasai: Norkipiren; Nyakyusa: Unsongwa; Tongwe:

Kasolyo.

ESCRIPTION: A small evergreen under-storey tree, 6–13 m, often densely branched

to a thick dark shady crown. All parts contain a rather sticky yellow sap.

BARK: Smooth, dark grey-brown, later rough and flaking, the underbark a

bright red-brown. LEAVES: Opposite, thick and leathery, shiny dark

green above, paler below, lateral veins thin and fine on both sides, edge rolled

under and wavy, oval-oblong, usually 6–12 cm long, the tip long pointed,

the base narrow to a very short stalk, which may be very pink. Buds often resin

covered. FLOWERS: White, yellow or orange, about 1 cm across, female soli-

tary, male in clusters of 2–3, 4 petals and sepals around a sticky orange stigma,

“x” shaped when open. FRUIT: Fleshy berries, yellow-orange when ma-

ture, rounded, to 2.5 cm across. Edible but very acid pulp surrounds the seed.

The outer skin is tough and hard.

COLOGY: Occurs in evergreen forest, riverine thickets, densely wooded grassland

and in coastal forest on pure sand, 0–1,800 m; rainfall 800–1,800 mm. Thrives

well on sandy loams.

ISTRIBUTION: One of the many Garcinia species growing from east to southern

Africa, Rwanda, Burundi, the Congo basin and Sudan. Widespread in Tanzania

and found for example in Tanga, Lindi, Iringa, Morogoro and Rukwa Regions.

SES:

Food:

– Fruits are edible. They are collected when ripe, peeled and the pulp eaten

like an orange as a snack. They are tasty but somewhat acidic.

– An alcoholic drink is made from the fruit.

Medicinal: An infusion from the roots is used as an aphrodisiac and as a lotion

for sores.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for firewood, charcoal, tool handles, spoons, milk pots

and stools. The sap yields a yellow dye. The tree is used for shade and as an

ornamental.

EASON: Collected in the dry season, April–June in Iringa.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: It is collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by local

people. Can be propagated by seed.

329

THE SPECIES

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: The species can be grown as a pure fruit orchard or intercropped with

coffee. Individual trees are good ornamentals.

Garcinia buchananii (contd) Clusiaceae

Branch with small

groups of female

flowers

Bud

Flower

330

THE SPECIES

Garcinia livingstonei Clusiaceae (Guttiferae)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Mpugopugo; Digo: Kisambwe, Mfungatanzu; English:

African mangosteen; Hehe: Mpepete, Mpukopuko; Maasai: Enongeperen,

Olkifulwa; Ngindo: Mtiko; Nyamwezi: Kanala; Swahili: Mchanvia, Mkuku

mbuzi, Mpekechu, Mpeketo, Mtotozi, Mtumbi.

ESCRIPTION: A distinctive evergreen tree or shrub, 2–10 m, with a short bole. The

bark exudes drops of yellow to red latex when damaged. Large erect branches

support a heavy conical crown. In big trees branches arch over in a characteristic

way. Branching is often in threes—useful as stirring sticks. BARK: Dark grey-

black, ridged. LEAVES: Stiff and leathery in pairs or threes, 4–14 cm, edge

usually wavy, the veins irregular and raised on shiny upper surface.

FLOWERS: Cream-green, in small clusters, a sweetish smell, small green buds

sticky with resin. FRUIT: Yellow-orange, oval, 2.5 cm diameter, very many,

edible, acid-sweet, up to 5 seeds.

COLOGY: This tree is widespread in riverine forest, grassland, thickets and in open

woodland in tropical Africa, often under larger trees, 0–1,800 m; rainfall 800–

1,800 mm. Prefers sandy loam.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in all parts of Tanzania, e.g. in Tanga, Iringa, Morogoro and

Rukwa Regions. Also in Kenya, Uganda, west to Cameroon and south to South

Africa.

SES:

Food:

– Ripe fruits are fleshy and eaten raw. They have an acid-sweet taste and are

much liked by children and herdsmen.

– Fruits are soaked in warm water and squeezed. Then the juice is filtered

and sugar added.

Medicinal: Roots are soaked in cold water and the infusion is mixed with milk

and drunk to treat abdominal pains in pregnant women.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is hard and used for building poles, tool handles, wooden

spoons, stirring sticks, firewood, pegs. The bark yields a yellow dye. The tree

is used for shade.

EASON: Ripe fruits are available from October to December.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not cultivated. Can be propagated by fresh

seed.

STATUS: Occasional within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: Two other Garcinia species with edible fruits are also found in Tanzania:

331

THE SPECIES

1. G. kingäensis (Bena: Lifilafila, Mfilafila; English: Northern forest garcinia;

Kaguru: Mkowekowe; Kinga: Kisongwe; Swahili: Mpekecho) a shrub or large

tree up to 15 m high with twigs that are 4-sided in cross-section and orange

yellow fruits. It is found, e.g. in Kagera, Iringa, Morogoro, Dodoma and Mtwara

Regions. It also occurs in Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and South Africa;

2. G. smeathmannii (Bena: Mduma; Ha: Umusalasi; Hehe: Mfilafila; Swahili:

Mpekechu, Mtumbu) a tree up to 30 m high, found, e.g. in Iringa, Mbeya,

Kagera and Kigoma Regions. It is also found from Guinea to Cameroon, in

Gabon, the Congo basin, Malawi and Zambia.

Garcinia livingstonei Clusiaceae (Guttiferae)

Flowering branch

Flower

Young fruit

Fruiting branch

332

THE SPECIES

Grewia bicolor Tiliaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Mkole; Bende: Mkole; English: Donkey berry; Gogo: Mkole,

Mtafuta; Gorowa: Lomo; Haya: Mkomakoma; Hehe: Mkole, Mpelemehe,

Msesetya; Nyamkole; Iraqw: Lagaang-aawak; Maasai: Esitete, Olsiteti,

Osiminde, Ositeti; Mbugwe: Musuna-nu-kuu; Nyamwezi: Mkoma,

Mkomalendi; Nyaturu: Musuna-nu-kuu; Rangi: Mduwau; Sambaa: Mkole-

ngoda; Sandawi: Serekuúk; Sangu: Mpelemehe; Sukuma: Mkoma, Mukoma;

Swahili: Mfukufuku, Mkole, Mkone; Zaramo: Mkole mweupe, Mswere; Zinza:

Mkomakoma.

ESCRIPTION: A low shrub or tree, 2–10 m, in dry deciduous woodland, produces

suckers and branches from the base of the main trunk. BARK: Smooth when

young, dotted with breathing pores; later dark, rough and scaly. LEAVES: Oval

to oblong, pointed, 1–8 cm, the edge finely toothed, shiny green above

but pale grey-white below, drooping in the heat. FLOWERS: Golden yel-

low, sweet smelling, small petals bent back over larger sepals. FRUIT:

Rounded and soft, 5 mm, orange then black, hairy at first, edible, sweet

but sharp on the tongue.

COLOGY: Found in Tanzania from the coast to the highlands, on poor soils, although

it prefers calcareous soil, e.g. along river courses in Babati and Singida Districts,

800–2,000 m.

ISTRIBUTION: A common tree of the semi-arid tropics in Africa and India. Widely

distributed in Tanzania, e.g. in Tabora, Iringa, Shinyanga, Dodoma and

Morogoro Regions. Also occurs in Kenya and Uganda.

SES:

Food:

– Ripe sweet fruits are picked from the tree and eaten raw as a snack. Only

the pulp is eaten and seeds are discarded.

– Ripe fruits are collected, lightly pounded in a grain mortar, soaked in water

and squeezed. The juice is filtered and drunk as it is or added to porridge.

– The juice from fruits can be fermented and made into an intoxicating drink.

Medicinal:

– Roots are pounded, soaked in cold water and the infusion drunk to treat

anaemia, chest pains, snakebite, colds, diarrhoea and infertility in women.

– The bark is chewed and put on wounds as a bandage.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is hard and used for fuelwood, building poles, withies, walk-

ing sticks, clubs, pegs, bows, carrying beams and rakes. The tree is used for

bee forage and as an ornamental.

EASON: Ripe fruits are collected from April to June.

333

THE SPECIES

STORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Only collected from the wild. The species can be propagated by fresh

seed, which needs scarification (piercing or nicking).

TATUS: Locally common.

Grewia bicolor (contd) Tiliaceae

Flowering or fruiting

branch

334

THE SPECIES

Grewia conocarpoides Tiliaceae

Indigenous [Plate 2]

OCAL NAMES: Nyamwezi: Mdati; Sukuma: Ndati; Swahili: Mkole.

ESCRIPTION: A shrub or small tree to 5 m with a dense rounded crown. BARK: Pale

grey. LEAVES: Oblong and stiff, 6–9 cm with very tiny shallow teeth along

the edges, mid green above, grey-white below due to tiny hairs (G. bicolor

also white below but has larger teeth on leaf margins), tip long pointed, base

rounded, one-sided, to a short stalk about 7 mm. FLOWERS: Green-white,

fragrant, quite small, inner surface of sepals and 5 petal lobes cream-white,

pale yellow stamens in the centre. FRUIT: Fleshy berries, without hairs,

single and rounded to 1.7 cm, orange-red when ripe.

COLOGY: A shrub of miombo bushland dominated by Brachystegia, on rocky hills

at medium altitudes, 800–1,200 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Found only in the Tabora area.

SES:

Food:

Ripe fruits are collected from the tree and eaten fresh as a snack, especially

by children and herdsmen.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is hard and heavy, used for fuelwood, building poles, walk-

ing sticks, clubs, tool handles, withies and bows. The tree is a good source of

bee forage and fodder and a good ornamental.

EASON: Ripe fruits are available from April to June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Only collected from the wild. Propagation is possible using fresh seed.

TATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution. Can be

propagated by seed.

REMARKS: This species is endemic to Tanzania.

Most of the over 40 Grewia species found in Tanzania are edible. One is G.

fallax, and other species are mentioned on the following pages covering Grewia..

1. G. fallax (Gogo: Mgwelu; Gorowa: Lomodu-aawak; Hehe: Mkaapu; Iraqw:

Lagangwi; Nyamwezi: Mkoma, Mkoma-mkulu; Sukuma: Nkoma; Swahili:

Mkole): a shrub 1.5–6 m high with rounded crown. LEAVES: Egg shaped, dark

green, 3–13 cm long with toothed margin. FLOWERS: Yellow. FRUIT: Orange,

turning black when ripe, 10–16 mm in diameter. It occurs in dry bushland,

bushed grassland, Acacia woodland and Brachystegia woodland, 300–1,500 m.

In Tanzania this species has been recorded in Mwanza, Kilimanjaro, Arusha

and Dodoma Regions. It is also found in Kenya, Sudan and Somalia.

335

THE SPECIES

Grewia conocarpoides Tiliaceae

Fruit

G. fallax

Flower

Flowers

Fruit

336

THE SPECIES

Grewia mollis Tiliaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Arusha: Ositeti; Bena: Mpelemehe; Gogo: Mkole; Gorowa: Lomo;

Ha: Umushamgumu; Hehe: Mkole, Mpelemehe; Iraqw: Lagagir-daat; Kuria:

Mkomakoma; Maasai: Ositeti; Nyamwezi: Mkoma; Nyaturu: Musuna;

Rangi: Mduwau; Sandawi: /./.Hwaa, X’waa; Sangu: Mpelemehe; Sukuma:

Mdagwata; Sumbwa: Mukoma; Swahili: Mkole.

ESCRIPTION: A shrub or small tree 1.5–9 m, often multi-stemmed, with spreading

hairy branches, twiggy at the tips, often purple on drying. BARK: Black and

rough, thick and flaky, deeply fissured, a yellow-green fibrous

undersurface. LEAVES: Pale green above but grey-white silky hairs

cover the lower surface, long oval, 4–18 cm x 2–6 cm wide, 3 veins from the

base, side veins clear and parallel veins between, edge clearly toothed,

sometimes double-toothed, tip pointed, sharply stalked. FLOWERS: Beside leaves

on 1–3 stalks over 1 cm long, each with 2–3 flowers; the 5 sepals, about 1 cm

long, are hairy outside and enclose the hairy central ovary. FRUIT: 1–2 rounded

lobes slightly hairy, sharply tipped, each 5–7 mm; black, edible when ripe.

COLOGY: One of the Grewia species found in moist woodlands of East Africa. Does

well in low- and medium-altitude savanna woodlands, wooded grasslands and

riverine thickets, up to 1,600 m; rainfall 1,000–1,400 mm. Thrives in a variety

of soil types.

ISTRIBUTION: From Senegal in West Africa to the Sudan and East Africa, through

the Congo basin, south to Botswana and Mozambique. Widespread in Tanzania;

found for example in Tabora, Mwanza, Rukwa and Arusha Regions.

SES:

Food:

Ripe, sweet fruits are collected from the trees and eaten fresh as a snack.

The hard seed is discarded.

Medicinal: Leaves are pounded and soaked in water and the infusion drunk

to reduce gas in the stomach. It is also used to treat constipation in domestic

animals.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The leaves can be crushed, mixed with water and used as a shampoo

against head lice. The wood is used for walking sticks, building poles and

charcoal in many areas.

EASON: Fruits are collected at the end of the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local people.

Can be propagated by seed.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

337

THE SPECIES

Grewia mollis Tiliaceae

Fruit

Enlarged flower

338

THE SPECIES

Grewia platyclada Tiliaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Arusha: Olmangulai-oloingoni; Gogo: Mpelemehe; Gorowa:

Firaakwi, Lomo-peh; Hehe: Mkole, Mpelemehe; Iraqw: Uduboguta; Maasai:

Olmangulai-oloing’oni; Nyamwezi: Mpelemense; Rangi: Iperemesu,

Mpelemesu; Sandawi: Khoa, Xóá, X’waa; Sangu: Mbajua; Sukuma:

Mpelemese; Swahili: Mkole; Tongwe: Lunkukuma.

ESCRIPTION: A shrub or small rounded tree to 4 m, or a strong woody climber to

4–5 m, sometimes forming thickets. The looping angular stems thicken with

age and become rope-like hanging between the trees. BARK: Young

branchlets and shoots covered with soft brown hairs, later strongly 3–4

ribbed, dark brown or grey with paler elongated breathing pores. LEAVES:

More or less oval to 10 cm long, 5 cm across, the edge with coarse teeth, hairy

both sides, only slightly one-sided at the base, many parallel veins, hairy

below. FLOWERS: Bright orange-yellow, star-like, beside leaves, the 5

petals about the same length as the sepals which are yellow inside, long and

narrow, buds oblong, to 1.5 cm. FRUIT: Shiny berries, each one to 1 cm

across in heads of 4 (but some fail to develop so 1,2,3 often seen).

COLOGY: A thicket-forming shrub in degraded bushland, on hillsides, often on

stony soil, thickets in gullies, lowland forest, edges and clearings, 800–1,200 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Recorded in several areas of western and central Tanzania, e.g. in

Shinyanga, Dodoma, Kigoma and Singida Regions. Also in Uganda, the Congo

basin and Mozambique.

SES:

Food:

Fruits are edible and can be added to porridge as a substitute for sugar.

Medicinal: Roots used to treat menstrual problems, stomach problems during

pregnancy and other disorders in women.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is hard and used for fuelwood, building poles, weaving local

doors, withies and walking sticks. The plant is used for fodder.

EASON: Fruits are collected from April to June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated. Can be propagated by

seed.

STATUS: Locally common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

339

THE SPECIES

Grewia platyclada Tiliaceae

Oblong buds

Fruit

340

THE SPECIES

Grewia similis Tiliaceae

Indigenous [Plate 2]

OCAL NAMES: Arusha: Olmkoma; Bondei: Mnangu; Chagga: Mlela; Gogo:

Kisesetya, Mtafuta; Gorowa: Saski; Haya: Umukoma; Hehe: Mkole,

Mpelemehe, Nyakisesetya, Nyamkole; Iraqw: Furudou, Mgombaryandi, Saski;

Isanzu: Mukuma; Kaguru: Mseseza; Maasai: Eirii, Sajagi; Nyagatwa:

Mbudu; Nyamwezi: Mkomabubu; Nyaturu: Mukhantokhanto; Nyir:

Mukuma; Pare: Mnangu; Rangi: Mnangu; Sambaa: Mnangu; Sandawi:

Tsampure; Sukuma: Ndagwasa; Swahili: Mkole; Zaramo: Mkole mweupe.

ESCRIPTION: A straggling shrub or small tree to 3 m, sometimes a climbing liane

with woody knobs on the old stems. LEAVES: Shiny dark green above, oval to

rounded, about 5 cm long tip and base variable, the edge finely toothed, 3

veins from the base prominent below, slightly rough, hairy. FLOWERS:

Attractive mauve-pink with yellow anthers in the centre, in terminal or axillary

groups of 3–6 flowers, each star shaped about 3 cm across, 5 petals oblong, 5

sepals pointed, mauve inside and as long or longer than the petals.

Flowers open late in the morning. FRUIT: Fleshy berries, deeply 4-lobed

although some lobes may not develop, each one about 5–10 mm across, orange-

red when ripe.

COLOGY: A plant of dry evergreen mountain forest and forest edges, riverine thicket,

evergreen bushland or bushed grassland, coastal thicket, 100–2,300 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania, e.g. in Arusha, Iringa, Kagera, Morogoro

and Tanga Regions. Also in Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, Rwanda and Burundi.

SES:

Food:

– Ripe fruits are sweet and eaten raw as a snack. They are picked from the

tree in handfuls and eaten in small amounts, especially by children and

herdsmen.

– Ripe fruits are collected, soaked in warm water and the juice used to sweeten

porridge.

Medicinal: The bark is pounded and the powder used to treat wounds, sores

and snakebite (Nyamwezi).

Commercial: Marketed in local markets (Gogo).

Other: The wood is hard and heavy and used for building poles, fuelwood, tool

handles, walking sticks, pegs, withies, bows and clubs.

EASON: Fruits are collected from April to June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated. The species can be

propagated using seeds.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

341

THE SPECIES

Grewia similis Tiliaceae

Fruit

Enlarged flower

Flowering shoot

342

THE SPECIES

Grewia trichocarpa Tiliaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Swahili: Mkole.

ESCRIPTION: A shrub or small spreading tree, 1.5–6 m. BARK: Smooth silver-grey

to brown, sometimes with vertical bands of brown lenticels. LEAVES: Variable

in size, 3–11 cm long, generally oval with a well-pointed tip, the edge with

sharp pointed irregular teeth, the base unequal sided, 3 veins to the

base, paler below with a few hairs. FLOWERS: A striking plant when covered

with golden-yellow flowers. They arise on stalks, 2–3 together from leaf

axils, buds oval, opening with 5 sepals, yellow-green, 6–11 mm, 5 smaller

yellow petals within, only 3–7 mm, the many central stamens have orange

stalks, ovary hairy. FRUIT: Single berries, rounded, slightly hairy, 5–7 mm

across, ripening orange, on hairy stalks.

COLOGY: Common in wooded grasslands and in A. tortilis woodlands. Occurs

naturally in lowland and at medium altitude with rainfall 900–1,400 mm.

Thrives in a variety of soil types.

ISTRIBUTION: Found from Senegal in West Africa, east to the Sudan and Ethiopia

and south to Angola and Botswana. In Tanzania this species is common at

Samina in Geita District (Mwanza Region), Pugu Forest Reserve in Pwani

Region and at Kisesa near Mwanza.

SES:

Food:

The fruit are edible and taste sweet. Fruit are frequently collected from the

tree when ripe and eaten as a snack, especially by children.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for building poles, fuelwood, tool handles and withies.

The tree is important as a source of bee forage.

EASON: Ripe fruits are collected from April to June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by local people.

Can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: Another edible Grewia species, and one which is endemic to Tanzania, is

G. goetzeana (Luguru: Mkole; Rufiji: Mshiri; Sambaa: Mkole-ng’ombe;

Swahili: Mkole; Vidunda: Mkole-bwabwa): a shrub to 2.5 m or a tall tree 10–

20 m with large rounded crown and brown flaky bark. LEAVES: Large, 4–14

cm long x 2–9 cm wide with toothed margin. FLOWERS: Yellow. FRUITS:

Orange, usually in pairs, rounded, up 1 cm in diameter. Found in open savanna,

at forest edges and river banks and in bushland, 0–300 m. Common in the

lowlands, e.g. around Kilosa, Morogoro, Lindi and Mombo.

343

THE SPECIES

Grewia trichocarpa Tiliaceae

Fruits

Flowering stem

One flower

G. goetzeana

344

THE SPECIES

Grewia villosa Tiliaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Arusha: Olmangulai; Fiome: Lomo; Iraqw: Amu; Maasai:

Emangulai, Emankulai, Ilmankula (plural), Olmangulai, Olmankulai;

Mbugwe: Motoo; Nyaturu: Mumpembe; Swahili: Mkole, Mkorobosho.

ESCRIPTION: A deciduous shrub about 3 m, with very distinctive leaves; young

parts covered with pale silky hairs, branches purple-brown. LEAVES: Almost

round, to 12 cm across, on stalks to 4 cm; paler below and more hairy, 5

veins clearly seen. FLOWERS: Pink, turning yellow with age, in small

clusters without stalks, opposite leaves. FRUIT: Usually single, soft and

hairy when ripe, red-brown, about 1 cm across, 1–2 hard seeds within each

nut.

COLOGY: It is common in medium-altitude areas in semi-arid bushland characterized

by Acacia tortilis and Lannea humilis, up to 1,200 m; rainfall 900–1,200 mm.

Thrives in black-cotton soil and in sedimentary soils.

ISTRIBUTION: From West Africa to the Sudan, Eritrea and Kenya, south to South

Africa. In Tanzania it is common, for example in Same and Babati Districts.

SES:

Food:

The sweet pulp of the ripe reddish-brown fruit is eaten as a snack, especially

by herdsmen, while the seeds may be discarded.

Other: Yields a good fibre used for making ropes. Small stems used for making

granaries.

Medicinal: Roots used to treat body pains.

EASON: Ripe fruits are collected in May–July.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by local people.

TATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: Another edible Grewia species is G. hexamita (Bende: Mkole-dume;

English: Large-flowered yellow grewia; Gogo: Mhafuta, Mgukwe, Mgwelu;

Hehe: Mkole; Nyamwezi: Mkoma; Rangi: Mduwau; Swahili: Mkole): a shrub

or small tree up to 5 m high; stems with woolly red-brown hairs. LEAVES: Up

to 10 cm long and 6 cm wide, shiny green above, hairy white beneath; base

cordate, strongly asymmetric. FLOWERS: In axillary clusters, large, 4–5 cm in

diameter, golden yellow. FRUIT: A drupe, often 2 deeply divided lobes, yellow-

brown to red when ripe, up to 2 cm in diameter. It grows in wooded grasslands,

bushland, usually on termite mounds, and in river valleys. Has been recorded

at Mpwapwa and Matomondo in Dodoma Region, Mombo Forest Reserve near

Korogwe (Tanga Region) and in Nyang’olo Hills in Iringa Region. It is also

found in South Africa.

345

THE SPECIES

Grewia villosa Tiliaceae

Flower

Fruit

G. hexamita

Large flower

Fruit

346

THE SPECIES

Guizotia scabra Compositeae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Luo: Nyamnina, Onina; Sambaa: Mpuishi.

ESCRIPTION: An erect, usually perennial herb to 2 m high from a wiry rootstock,

variable in form. LEAVES: Opposite, without stalks, usually clasping the

stem towards the apex, narrow oblong, edge toothed or not, very rough

(scabrid) to the touch. FLOWERS: Bright yellow, in loosely branched

terminal heads, each flower with one row of outer ray florets, petals with 5–9

veins and 3 teeth, the surrounding green bracts 15 mm, free to the base, very

many inner yellow disc florets. FRUIT: Smooth, straight edged, 3–4-angled

tiny black achenes, no hairy pappus.

COLOGY: It does well in abandoned fields, disturbed areas and secondary regrowth,

often growing profusely and gregariously making it easy to harvest when

mature. Common in lowland and medium-altitude areas, up to 1,200 m; rainfall

1,100–1,700 mm. It is a weed that grows in a variety of soils.

ISTRIBUTION: Found from West Africa to the Sudan and Kenya, the Congo basin,

and south to South Africa. In Tanzania, this species is found, for example, near

Bagamoyo (Pwani Region), in Iringa Region and near Monduli in Arusha Region.

SES:

Food:

Tender leaves are collected, chopped and cooked alone or mixed with other

green vegetables such as amaranth or peas. Coconut milk, cooking oil,

pounded groundnuts or sunflower seeds are added and the vegetable served

with ugali or rice.

Commercial: Not marketed.

EASON: Seeds are collected late in the first dry season, and leaves in the rainy

season.

STORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: This is a weed that invades immediately after a major crop, e.g.

simsim, has been harvested.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: Germination of seeds is enhanced by seasonal fires.

347

THE SPECIES

Guizotia scabra Compositeae

Disc florets

Bracts

Ray florets

348

THE SPECIES

Habenaria epipactidea (H. foliosa) Orchidaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Matengo: Chichala, Kikande chanima, Kikande chichala, Kikande

jike, Kikande maka, Kikande mgosi, Manjorosa; Sambaa: Kimachura; Ngoni:

Kikande chanima, Kikande chichala, Kikande jike, Kikande maka, Kikande

mgosi, Manjorosa; Ndendeule: Kikande chanima, Kikande chichala, Kikande

jike, Kikande maka, Kikande mgosi, Manjorosa.

ESCRIPTION: A terrestrial orchid 30–55 cm tall, the stout erect stem arising

from underground tubers variously shaped to 6 cm long and 3 cm across,

often depressed rounded with the shoot arising on one side, a dark woolly

covering but grey-white and fleshy inside. LEAVES: 8–15 leaves overlap

closely and cover the stem, the lowest sheath-like, largest 5–12 cm x 2.5 cm

wide, smaller leaves at the top of the stem, similar to bracts, pale green.

FLOWERS: Sweetly scented on a cylindrical spike 6–16 cm long x 2–5 cm across,

with 7 to many flowers close together, with narrow pointed bracts shorter

than the flowers; flowers curved outwards, upper sepals pale green, petals

and lip cream–lemon yellow or white, sepals with darker green veins, ovary

plus the slender stalk about 2 cm, the dorsal sepal like a hood, the white petals

ovate-circular, a 3-lobed lip with a mid lobe longer, about 1 cm, and

reduced, entire side lobes, the spur 1.7–3 cm. Two very short processes at

the base. FRUIT: Elliptic capsules with slits to release tiny seeds.

COLOGY: Found in grasslands with short grass, especially where seasonally damp

or in rocky gullies, dry bush, 1,100–1,800 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Well distributed in central and northern parts of Tanzania, e.g.

around Kondoa, Ngorongoro, Musoma, Mwanza and Shinyanga. Also found in

Kenya, Uganda, Angola, Zimbabwe, Namibia, South Africa, Ethiopia, Rwanda

and Botswana.

SES:

Food:

– Tubers are dug out from the ground, peeled and cooked. They are then eaten

like potatoes.

– Tubers are peeled, pounded and baked into mealy cakes which are eaten

with tea.

Commercial: Tubers are very popular and are sold in local markets as well as

other countries such as Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia.

Other: The plant is good for ornamental purposes.

EASON: Tubers are dug out from the ground at the end of the rainy season, i.e.

from May to July.

TORAGE: Tubers can be stored in a cool place for several weeks.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated. The plant can be

propagated by tubers.

349

THE SPECIES

STATUS: Locally common but becoming increasingly rare due to over collecting.

Harvesting of orchid tubers destroys the whole plant and is thus an

unsustainable harvesting method which should be discouraged. To

maintain wild populations, studies on domestication are urgently needed.

REMARKS: A promising crop for cultivation and breeding.

Habenaria epipactidea (contd) Orchidaceae

Underground tuber

Flowering spike

Overlapping leaves

Spur

350

THE SPECIES

Habenaria walleri (H. soyauxii) Orchidaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Kikande; Fipa: Binika; Kinga: Chikande, Kikande; Matengo:

Chanima; Ngoni: Kikande; Wanji: Kikande.

DESCRIPTION: A terrestrial orchid with stout erect stems 40–80 cm, arising from

fleshy, tuberous roots. LEAVES: 7–10 erect leaves, long oval, pointed, the largest

6–14 cm, upper leaves similar to the bracts, all close to the stem. FLOWERS:

Green sepals, other parts white in a head 8–28 cm, fragrant at night, the

upper petal lobe 15–30 mm, two or three times as long and wide as the rest, a 3-

lobed lip with narrow lateral spreading lobes longer than the middle

lobe, the swollen spur very long, 13–17 cm, in bud the green dorsal sepal

makes a convex pointed hood over the petals, about 1.5 cm long and 1 cm wide.

FRUIT: Oblong or spindle-shaped capsules opening by slits to free tiny seed.

COLOGY: Swampy grasslands with scattered Acacia, 1,000–2,000 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in western and southern areas of Tanzania, including the

Southern Highlands. Also in Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Cameroon, Sudan,

Gabon, the Congo basin, Burundi, Malawi, Zambia.

SES:

Food:

– Tubers are dug out from the ground, peeled, cooked and eaten like potatoes.

– Tubers are peeled, washed, pounded and baked into edible cakes.

Medicinal: Roots are pounded and soaked in cold water. The resulting liquid is

used in the treatment of stomach-ache.

Commercial: Sold in both rural and urban markets.

Other: The plant may be used for ornamental purposes.

EASON: Tubers are excavated from May to July.

TORAGE: Tubers can be stored in a cool dry place for several weeks.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated. It can be propagated

using tubers.

TATUS: Locally common but becoming increasingly rare due to over collecting.

Harvesting of orchid tubers destroys the whole plant and is thus an

unsustainable harvesting method which should be discouraged. To

maintain wild populations, studies on domestication are urgently needed.

351

THE SPECIES

Habenaria walleri (H. soyauxii) Orchidaceae

Underground tuber

Very long spur

352

THE SPECIES

Harungana madagascariensis Clusiaceae (Guttiferae)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Orange-milk tree; Sambaa: Mkuntu; Swahili: Mbura,

Mdamudamu, Mkekundu, Mngonengone, Mtunu; Tongwe: Mtunu.

ESCRIPTION: A pioneer shrub or tree, 3–18 m, usually much branched, but

occasionally with a cylindrical trunk to 25 m (Bwindi Forest, Uganda). BARK:

Red-brown, scaling, sap blood red when cut, also from branches and leaves.

Branchlets, young leaves and leaf stalks all appear orange-brown as

they are covered with short rusty hairs. LEAVES: Opposite and simple, oval,

6–20 cm long, tip pointed, base rounded, glands visible against the light, shiny

dark green above, rusty brown below. The youngest leaves at the tips of

the branches remain tightly pressed together until quite large, the brown lower

surfaces quite characteristic. Leaf stalk to 3 cm. FLOWERS: Very small

with sweet almond scent, in dense many-flowered terminal heads, 8–20 cm

across, rather flat; the five tiny white petals have black gland dots. FRUIT:

Very small, 3–4 mm, rather dry, green-orange, then deep red in heavy massed

heads 25–30 cm across.

COLOGY: Does well in lowland and upland rainforest and at forest edges, disturbed

areas, in thickets, in grasslands and around termite mounds, 0–1,800 m; rainfall

1,100–1,800 mm. Tolerant to various soil types.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in tropical Africa, and in Madagascar. Common in many

parts of Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.

SES:

Food:

The ripe yellow to orange-brown berries are edible. They are collected in

handfuls and eaten as a snack. They taste sweet and are eaten especially by

children.

Medicinal:

– The bark is used to treat malaria.

– The sap is used in the treatment of scabies and tapeworm.

– The leaves are rubbed on the head to treat headache. Leaves are also used

to treat diarrhoea, STDs, sore throats and bleeding. Leaves and bark are

used in the treatment of bloody diarrhoea.

– Roots are used to hasten breast development in young women. The bark

and roots are boiled and the infusion is taken twice a day to interrupt menses.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The bark and roots are chewed as a substitute for toothpaste and used

as a lipstick. The wood is used for timber, building poles, tool handles, fuelwood,

grain mortars and wooden spoons. The bark produces yellow dye. The tree is

also important in agroforestry and as a source of bee forage.

EASON: Collected in August–December

353

THE SPECIES

STORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local people.

Can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: It is easily identified by its orange or blood-red resin which exudes readily

from broken leaves and twigs, as well as from a slash in the bark, and the

species is often tapped for dye.

Harungana madagascariensis (contd) Clusiaceae

Flowering shoot

Flower

354

THE SPECIES

Heliotropium zeylanicum Boraginaceae

(H. subulatum)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Hehe: Nyalulimi lwisenga; Sambaa: Ngola moyo; Sangu:

Nyasowasa.

DESCRIPTION: An erect perennial herb to 80 cm, sometimes bent over, spreading

from a long thick rootstock, the stems branched and woody at the base,

covered with few or many hairs. LEAVES: Long and thin to 9 cm x 1 cm

across, sharply tipped, narrowed at the base to a very short stalk, some hairs

above and below. FLOWERS: Quite small, yellow-green, along spike-like

stalks, flowers opening in turn from the base, sometimes curled up when young,

flowers only on one side of the spike, each with a tiny hairy bell-shaped calyx,

tubular white corolla, the 5 lobes yellow-green, triangular with a

thread-like tip. FRUIT: Rounded, only about 2 mm, breaking into 4 nutlets.

The stalk lengthens to 30 cm.

COLOGY: In very dry bushland, grassland or scattered tree grassland, a weed of

roadsides and cultivation, locally common, 0–1,700 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania; Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan

and much of West Africa, Central and South Africa, Socotra and the Comoro

Islands, to India.

SES:

Food:

Tender leaves are collected, sorted, chopped and cooked alone or with other

vegetables such as Amaranthus, Bidens or Galinsoga. Coconut milk or

pounded groundnuts are then added, and the dish is served with a staple.

Medicinal: Leaves and roots are pounded and boiled. The decoction is drunk

as medicine for postpartum diseases in women.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is important for fodder and ornamental purposes.

EASON: Leaves are collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated. Can be propagated by

seed.

TATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: Recognized as a bad weed of farms.

355

THE SPECIES

Heliotropium zeylanicum Boraginaceae

One flower, enlarged

Plant habit

Carpels ripen to

4 nutlets

Nutlet containing seed

356

THE SPECIES

Hewittia sublobata Convolvulaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Utambaa-ngoswei; Sambaa: Utambaa-ngoshwe.

ESCRIPTION: A climbing or prostrate perennial herb with slender stems, 1–2 m,

occasionally rooting at the nodes. LEAVES: Variable, mostly heart shaped,

3–16 cm long x 1–3 cm across, the base straight to heart shaped, the tip pointed,

on a stalk about 1 cm long, with sparse soft hairs. FLOWERS: One to

several, clustered on a branched stalk to 8 cm beside leaves, each flower funnel

shaped, about 2.5 cm long, yellow or white, the centre purple-pink. The simple

style has 2 flattened oval stigmas. Pointed bracts surround the flower

base, to 17 mm. Green hairy sepals are pointed, the 3 outer sepals oval and

enlarge in fruit, with 2 smaller inner ones. FRUIT: A 1-celled hairy capsule,

about 1 cm across, containing 2–4 seeds.

COLOGY: A creeping vine that does well in the medium-altitude areas in grasslands,

woodlands, thickets and at forest edges, up to 1,800 m; rainfall 1,100–2,100

mm. Thrives in deep sandy loams with permanent moisture, but tolerates a

range of soil types.

ISTRIBUTION: Found throughout tropical Africa and Asia. Introduced to Jamaica

and the Americas. Common in East Africa.

SES:

Food:

Leaves are collected, chopped, boiled, the water drained and the vegetable

mixed with pounded groundnuts or coconut milk and eaten with ugali or

rice. Alternatively, it is cooked with other vegetables such as Amaranthus or

Bidens, coconut milk or groundnut paste added and served with a staple.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant can be used for ornamental purposes.

EASON: Collected in the rainy season

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local people.

Can be propagated by seed and cuttings.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: Considered a bad weed of farms.

357

THE SPECIES

Hewittia sublobata Convolvulaceae

Fruit capsule

Variety of leaf shapes

Flower

Style and stigma

358

THE SPECIES

Hexalobus monopetalus Annonaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Shakama plum; Hehe: Mfiwi, Mfyuwi; Ngindo: Mkungu

mwali; Nyamwezi: Mkuwa; Nyasa: Mkungumwale; Sukuma: Mkuwa.

ESCRIPTION: A semi-deciduous shrub or under-storey tree, 4–8 m, horizontal

branching to a rounded crown, often quite dense. BARK: Grey-brown, smooth,

becoming flaky with rectangular scales; characteristic short hard leaf bases

where the leaves will break off (see illustration). LEAVES: Simple, stiff, long

oval, 3–11 cm, tip broadly rounded, base more or less rounded to a short

stalk, dense hairs on the midrib below, veins clear above, olive green above,

yellow-green below. FLOWERS: Solitary or in clusters beside leaves, not

stalked, 6 cream-yellow petals, crinkly, spider-like, joined at the base, 2.5

cm long. Characteristic red-brown buds only open after leaf fall, April–August,

just before rains. FRUIT: 1–3 cylindrical capsules (like short fingers), to 3.5

cm, soft and fleshy, narrowed between seeds, red-black when ripe. Each

section has several brown seeds in edible flesh, March–May.

COLOGY: Found in miombo woodland and Combretum–Terminalia scrub, 900–

1,500 m; rainfall 750–1,300 mm. Grows in various soil types including sandy

soils, sandy loams and sandy clay loams.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in drier parts of tropical Africa from Sudan to South

Africa. In Tanzania, it is found, e.g. in Shinyanga, Kigoma, Tabora, Iringa

and Lindi Regions.

SES:

Food:

The fruit are edible. Ripe fruit are usually collected from the tree, the pulp

eaten and the seeds rejected. Sometimes mature fruit are collected and stored

for one or two days to ripen. They are sweet-sour and much favoured by

children, herdsmen and farmers.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for firewood, poles, tool handles, bows, gunstocks,

spoons and carvings.

EASON: Collected during the rainy season between January and April.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: It is collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by local

people. Can be propagated by seed.

STATUS: Uncommon and very scattered in its area of distribution.

EMARKS: Suitable for use in agroforestry.

359

THE SPECIES

Hexalobus monopetalus Annonaceae

Fruit

Fruiting branchlet

Buds

Remaining leaf

base

360

THE SPECIES

Hibiscus acetosella Malvaceae

Tropical West Africa, Angola

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Lumaka; Sambaa: Kololwe, Lumaka.

ESCRIPTION: An attractive Hibiscus with several stems from the base, or a shrub to

2 m with attractive red-purple stems and leaves, lines of small hairs on the

stems or hairless. Stems fibrous. LEAVES: Alternate, lower leaves deeply 3–

lobed, upper leaves simple, edges wide toothed, tips rather rounded, blunt, all a

deep red-purple, 5 veins from the base and clear vein network, on stalks up to

10 cm long. FLOWERS: Pink-red to wine coloured, with 5 thin petals, darker

in the centre, on stalks less than 1 cm, single in leaf axils. The 8–10 outer

sepals divided into 2 clear lobes, one spoon shaped, one small and

narrow, inner and outer calyx with short and spiny hairs. FRUIT: Capsules to

2 cm long becoming papery and opening to set free 7–8 dry brown seeds.

COLOGY: Grows in secondary regrowth after trampling by animals or after

cultivation. Occurs mainly in lowl- and medium-altitude areas.

DISTRIBUTION: From Senegal to East Africa and south to Mozambique. In Tanzania,

this species has been recorded in Mbeya, Rukwa, Tanga and Tabora Regions.

SES:

Food:

Leaves are collected, chopped and wilted in the sun. Then they are washed,

boiled and mixed with beans or peas. Simsim or groundnut paste may also

be added and the dish served with a staple. It tastes bitter, has an attractive

consistency and is used occasionally to thicken sauces and improve the con-

sistency of a dish. Eaten in small amounts (Nyakyusa).

Medicinal: Leaves are crushed and soaked in cold water and the infusion is

used for washing babies who have body pains.

Commercial: Not marketed.

EASON: Collected in the rainy seasons.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, as an escape, but also cultivated as a vegetable

in homegardens. Seeds are collected and stored for planting next season.

STATUS: Occasional within its area of distribution.

361

THE SPECIES

Hibiscus acetosella Malvaceae

Flower

Views of calyx

Capsules and seed

362

THE SPECIES

Hibiscus calyphyllus Malvaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Digo: Kungala.

ESCRIPTION: A tall perennial herb or undershrub, about 2 m, with long hairs.

LEAVES: Long stalked, rounded to oval, shallowly 3-lobed, the tip well pointed,

edge round to sharp toothed, base heart shaped, hairy or not. FLOWERS: Very

showy, solitary on jointed stalks from leaf axils, about 9 cm across, 5 yellow

petals with a purple-maroon base, each 5 cm long, the central stamen

column about 4 cm with 5 stigmas, the 5 outer sepals over 1.5 m wide,

narrowed at the base. FRUIT: An ovoid capsule, densely hairy, 2.5 cm long,

shorter than the calyx and beaked at the tip.

COLOGY: Thickets, roadsides in forests, riverine forests, at forest edges and in

disturbed areas in forests, up to 1,800 m; rainfall 1,100–1,600 mm. Tolerates a

variety of soils.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in tropical Africa and found in most parts of Tanzania,

including Serengeti National Park and around Korogwe (Tanga Region),

Karagwe (Kagera Region) and in Morogoro Region.

SES:

Food:

The leaves are collected, wilted, chopped and boiled together with other coarse

vegetables to improve the consistency and to make the sauce thicker. These

are eaten frequently in moderate amounts. Served with a staple.

Medicinal:

– Leaves are crushed and used as medicine for sores.

– Roots are boiled and used in a steam bath, and the liquid also drunk as a

remedy for pneumonia.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used for fibre and ornamental purposes.

EASON: Leaves are collected in the rainy season when they are still tender.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local people.

Can be propagated by seed.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

363

THE SPECIES

Hibiscus calyphyllus Malvaceae

Fruit capsule

Flower

364

THE SPECIES

Hibiscus diversifolius Malvaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Hehe: Mhang’ana; Zigua: Mhangana.

ESCRIPTION: A tall perennial woody herb to 3 m, sometimes shrubby, even a

tree to 10 m, the hairy stalks with short red hard prickles, occasionally on

leaf stalks as well. BARK: Grey-brown, young branches hairy and densely

covered with prickles. LEAVES: Broad oval to circular in outline, about 16 cm

across, lower leaves with 3–7 shallow lobes, base heart shaped, edges

unevenly toothed, upper surface with star-shaped hairs, lower surface with

longer hairs, on a stalk to 12 cm, upper leaves usually simple. FLOWERS:

Variable in colour, yellow or purple, centre dark red-purple, to 8 cm across but

often drooping and not spreading out, outer sepals 6 or more, 1 cm long,

covered with long hairs, over 1.5 mm wide. FRUIT: An ovoid capsule to 2

cm, sharply pointed and densely covered with hairs.

COLOGY: Riverine areas and swamps in open vegetation, up to 1,800 m; rainfall

1,400–2,100 mm. Thrives in deep clay soils with permanent moisture.

DISTRIBUTION: Widespread in the tropics from West Africa to the Sudan and south

to Angola, Botswana and South Africa. Found in northern, eastern and southern

highland areas of Tanzania.

SES:

Food:

The leaves are eaten though they taste bitter or sour. They are collected,

wilted in the sun, chopped and added to cooking beans or peas. Groundnut

paste may also be added to thicken the sauce. Eaten together with a staple

during the dry season as a substitute for other more preferred vegetables.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The bark is used for fibre and the plant for ornamental purposes.

EASON: Collected from swamps in the dry season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: It is collected from the wild but also cultivated and protected in

homegardens.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: In Malawi the bark fibres have been used as string to make mats and

the flowers cooked as a side dish.

365

THE SPECIES

Hibiscus diversifolius Malvaceae

Fruit

Flower

366

THE SPECIES

Hibiscus surattensis Malvaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Digo: Mwalavi, Mwawawu; Sambaa: Kololwe, Lumaka; Tongwe:

Kakonda.

ESCRIPTION: A large hairy annual plant, sometimes trailing or climbing to 6 m; all

parts, including the weak stems and leaf stalks, covered with small

downward-pointing soft prickles and hairs. LEAVES: Palmate, with 3–7

lobes, edges toothed, prickles on nerves below, on stalks to 8 cm. Pairs of oval

leafy stipules beside the stalks are characteristic. Leaves often reddish.

FLOWERS: Very showy orange-yellow, over 7 cm across, petals dark red-

maroon at the centre. The 6 or more outer sepals divide into a narrow

erect lobe and a broader oval lobe. The 5 inner sepals lengthen to 2.5 cm in

fruit, tip pointed, covered with hairs. FRUIT: Ovoid capsules break open to set

free downy seeds.

COLOGY: Occurs in grassland and at forest edges at low and medium altitudes, up

to 1,600 m; rainfall 1,000–1,600 mm. Thrives in a variety of soil types.

DISTRIBUTION: Widespread in the Sudan, the Congo basin, East Africa and south to

Angola and Botswana. In Tanzania, it is common, for example around Muheza,

Korogwe, Morogoro, Kibaha and Bagamoyo.

Prickles and hairs on stem

One divided sepal

Leaves with 3–7 lobes

367

THE SPECIES

USES:

Food:

Leaves are collected, boiled and

added to peas or groundnuts. It is

used to thicken sauces and eaten

in small amounts with the staple.

Medicinal:

– Leaves and stems are burnt and

the ash rubbed on affected parts of

the abdomen to relieve hernia.

– Leaves, stems and flowers are

pounded, soaked in cold water and

the infusion is used as a bath to

stop the itching of chickenpox.

Commercial: Not marketed.

EASON: Leaves collected in the early

flush of the rainy season.

STORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild

and not protected or cultivated by

local people.

TATUS: It is uncommon and difficult to

find.

REMARKS: Several other Hibiscus species

are eaten as vegetables, including the

following:

1. H. micranthus (Sambaa: Mhurusha-

mbuzi) a shrub up to 2.5 m high with

a hairy stem and leaves, purple

flowers. This species is widespread in

Tanzania;

2. H. ludwigii (Matengo: Lipeke-peke;

Sambaa: Kororwe, Lumaka) a shrub

up to 2.5 m high with hairy leaves

and large yellow flowers found in

Arusha, Kilimanjaro and Mbeya

Regions.

Hibiscus surattensis (contd) Malvaceae

H. ludwigii

H. micranthus

368

THE SPECIES

Hirtella megacarpa Chrysobalanaceae

(Acioa goetzeana)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Sambaa: Mwawa; Swahili: Mkonechacha, Mwawa.

ESCRIPTION: A tall evergreen tree reaching 25 m. Branchlets hairy. LEAVES:

Alternate, leathery, simple, long oblong to 8 cm, the tip pointed, base narrowed

or rounded to a very short stalk, small stipules, both leaf surfaces dull but the

upper surface somewhat shiny, the vein network clear below, its midrib with

long hairs. FLOWERS: White, arise from much-branched heads about 6–

10 cm across, terminal or in leaf axils, the slender stalks have many narrow

bracts, the calyx tube is expanded above, about 1 cm with small lobes, covered

with short hairs, the 5 white oval petals fall early, the central style hangs

out beyond about 9 stamens, which are over 2 cm long (3 times longer than

petals), on one side only. FRUIT: Green, single and oblong-ovoid, base

narrowed, 3.5 cm long, the covering hard, brittle and with tiny hairs, containing

one red seed. (The related H. sansibarica has smaller fruit—less than 3 cm

long.)

COLOGY: Upland rainforest, 1,300–2,000 m, sometimes in ravines.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in Tanga Region and the Ssouthern Highlands of Tanzania

and not known elsewhere. Recorded in Shagayu Forest Reserve near Lushoto,

Nyumbanyitu in Iringa District and on the western slopes of the Livingstone

Mountains near Ikombe.

SES:

Food:

Ripe fruits are collected from the ground and eaten raw as a snack. The

edible pulp is sweet and much liked by children and herdsmen.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for firewood, charcoal, spoons and mortars. The tree is

used for shade and as a source of bee forage.

EASON: Ripe fruits are collected from April to June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by the local

people. The species can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Occasional within its area of distribution.

369

THE SPECIES

Hirtella megacarpa Chrysobalanaceae

Fruits

Flowers

370

THE SPECIES

Hoslundia opposita Lamiaceae (Labiatae)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Digo: Mtserere; Gorowa: Mathar, Matlarimo, Matsalmo; Hehe:

Mlyasungura; Iraqw: Nuguhway; Maasai: Olemoran, Olenaran; Rangi:

Mutaritari; Swahili: Mdahamwitu, Mlanyuni, Mteremtere.

ESCRIPTION: An erect herb or much-branched bushy shrub to 2 m high, stems 4-

angled, young stems hairy. LEAVES: Opposite or 3-whorled, long oval to 12

cm, softly hairy, white below, edge wide toothed, tip pointed, narrowed to a

short stalk. FLOWERS: Small, cream-white, 7 mm across, in terminal

sprays, each tubular, only 2 stamens, arching downwards, a large lower petal.

The 5-toothed calyx tube green at first, becomes enlarged and fleshy, orange

in colour. FRUIT: A rounded ribbed berry, 6 mm across, containing 4

roughened nutlets, the seeds, within the persistent calyx.

COLOGY: Does well from lowlands to highlands, often on termite mounds in wooded

grasslands, around thickets, forest edges and in secondary regrowth after forest

clearing, 0–2,100 m; rainfall 1,100–1,800 mm. Thrives in a variety of soils.

ISTRIBUTION: Found from Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon to the Sudan and Ethiopia

and south to southern Africa. Occurs in all parts of Tanzania.

SES:

Food:

The very sweet fruit ripen to yellow and are collected from the plant and

eaten as a snack on the spot or taken home. Eaten in small or moderate

amounts—large quantities can cause nausea because of the excessive amount

of sugar. Liked especially by children.

Medicinal:

– Leaves and roots are boiled and the steam inhaled for fever and mental

illness.

– Leaves are pounded and soaked in cold water and used as a cooling bath for

babies who have fever. Pounded leaves are also used as a poultice for wounds.

– Roots are boiled and the decoction is drunk as an aphrodisiac and a remedy

for colds and coughs.

- Roots are boiled and the decoction drunk to relieve after-birth pains.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for firewood. The plant is used for hedges, boundary

marking, fodder and as a source of bee forage.

EASON: Fruits usually found soon after the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local people.

It can be propagated by seed and cuttings.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

371

THE SPECIES

Hoslundia opposita Lamiaceae (Labiatae)

Fruits

One flower

372

THE SPECIES

Hydnora abyssinica (H. johannis) Hydnoraceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Maasai: Erkunyi; Pare: Ng’holo ya msawo; Sandawi: Amamasóó;

Sukuma: Ngombe-ya-hansi, Ng’ombe-ya-hasi; Swahili: Mnyambo.

ESCRIPTION: An unmistakable plant, without green chlorophyll or leaves, fleshy

and naked looking. Parasitic on the roots of host trees, only seen when the tips

of the flowers push out of the ground. An underground stem, or pseudo-rhizome,

grows into the host roots and so extracts food. This rhizome is cylindrical or

angular, brown and warty outside, red within. FLOWERS: Grow out of

the rhizome, brown-pink, to 20 cm tall, with a bad smell. There are no petals

but a wide tubular calyx with 4 thick, fleshy sepal lobes, the inner surface

cream above, bright red and bristly below; 4 stamens grow in a ring around

the stigma and rounded ovary. FRUIT: Remain underground, berry-like,

containing many very small seeds in a glutinous pulp.

COLOGY: Found in grasslands, Acacia bushland and woodlands, up to 1,500 m;

rainfall 700–1,600 mm. Tolerates a variety of soils. Parasitic on roots, especially

on Acacia gerrardii and Lannea humilis.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in Sudan, Ethiopia southwards to South Africa. In Tanzania,

it is found, e.g., in Mwanza, Shinyanga, Kagera, Arusha and Kilimanjaro

Regions.

SES:

Food:

– The fruits are eaten mainly among Maasai herdsmen as a snack and as a

famine food.

– The underground stem is dug out from the ground, roasted in hot ash and

eaten.

Medicinal: The underground stem is dug out from the ground, cut into pieces

and boiled in water. The decoction is drunk to treat stomach-ache, dysentery,

sore throat and retained placenta.

Commercial: The underground stems (pseudo-rhizomes) are sold in markets

for their medicinal value.

Other: A fodder for cows.

EASON: Collected in the dry season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by the local

people. It can be propagated from cuttings of the underground stem.

STATUS: Uncommon and difficult to find because the plant is mainly underground

and appears only as a flower and fruit.

373

THE SPECIES

Hydnora abyssinica (H. johannis) Hydnoraceae

Fruit section showing

many seeds in sticky pulp

Soil surface

Stigma—4 lobed

4 calyx lobes

Inferior ovary

develops into

fruit

Stamens

Sectional view

Warty brown

pseudo-rhizome

Bright pink-red

bristles of lower calyx

374

THE SPECIES

Hygrophila auriculata Acanthaceae

(Asteracantha longifolia)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Digo: Chimvuno; Gogo: Ihoma-ng’ombe; Hehe: Isanyanga,

Nyangogo; Luo: Anduong’o; Nyamwezi: Lugemela; Sukuma: Isoma-ng’ombe;

Zinza: Kehwa.

ESCRIPTION: An erect annual herb with few branches, up to 1.2 m, with square

stems. LEAVES: Opposite, mostly lanceolate, to 15 cm long and 3 cm across,

widest in the middle, only shortly stalked. FLOWERS: Blue-mauve, pink or

white, in stalkless clusters in leaf axils, each flower with 4–5 sepals, the

corolla tubular, with 2 lips, the upper hooded, the lower lip 3-lobed, 4

stamens, 2 upper ones smaller. Between flowers are small leafy bracts as well

as characteristic simple spines, stout, to 4 cm, cream–orange in colour.

FRUIT: 2-celled capsules, long and thin, containing disc-shaped seeds with

hairy fringes.

COLOGY: Does well at edges of seasonal pools or other stagnant water bodies, 900–

2,100 m; rainfall 700–1,600 mm. Thrives in yellowish sediments and black-

cotton soil.

ISTRIBUTION: From Senegal to Ethiopia and East Africa and south to South Africa.

Widespread in Tanzania from Mwanza south to Mtwara and east to Morogoro.

SES:

Food:

Young leaves are chopped, cooked alone or with other vegetables such as

peas or amaranth. Coconut milk or groundnut paste is added and the dish is

served with a staple.

Medicinal:

– Leaves and stems are burnt and the smoke used to fumigate the eyes to

treat corneal ulcers.

– The whole plant is soaked in water and the infusion used as a cold bath to

lower body temperature and as a treatment for headache.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: Eaten by cattle and is a bee forage plant.

EASON: Collected all year round, but mainly in the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by local people.

Can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Common in wetter places, absent elsewhere.

EMARKS: It is reported that in the Sudan the plant is grown especially to make

local salt, which is extracted from the ash after burning the plant. It is a

troublesome weed in cropland.

375

THE SPECIES

Hygrophila auriculata Acanthaceae

Spines with flowers

376

THE SPECIES

Hyphaene compressa Arecaceae (Palmae)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Digo: Mkoma, Mkoma lume; English: Doum palm; Gogo: Mlala;

Hehe: Kihogolo, Likweta; Maasai: Olmorokwet; Nyamwezi: Mlala, Mulala;

Pare: Kweche; Swahili: Mkoche, Mkoma, Mlala, Mnyaa, Muaa; Zigua:

Mkonko.

ESCRIPTION: An unusual branched palm tree, to 20 m, each branch crowned

with large fan-shaped leaves, the tree often surrounded by bushy young

growth. BARK: Trunk grey. LEAVES: Have a long spiny stalk supporting the

fan of leaflets. FLOWERS: Male and female on separate trees. FRUIT: Orange

to brown, hanging down in bunches, each fruit to about 10 cm long, 2 sides

flattened, edible fibres below the tough shiny skin, one large hard seed.

COLOGY: Common in dry areas along river courses and at the coast, 0–1,400 m,

often forming pure stands on deep sand or alluvial soils. It requires a high

water-table and hot climate for good growth.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in lowland arid Africa from Egypt through Ethiopia,

Sudan, Somalia and Kenya southwards to Mozambique. In Tanzania, this species

is found along the coast from Tanga southwards to Mtwara and in Kilimanjaro

and Morogoro Regions.

SES:

Food:

– Ripe fruits are collected from the ground or picked from the tree and eaten

raw. The pulp is sweet with a pleasant odour and much liked by children

and herdsmen.

– The kernels are also eaten after breaking the nut.

– The juice from young fruits is sucked like coconut milk.

– A good palm wine is produced from sap obtained by tapping the tip of the

main stem.

Medicinal: The pulp of the fruit is eaten as a remedy for intestinal worms.

Commercial: Not marketed for fruits but sold for medicine in local markets.

Other: Leaves are used as fibre for weaving mats, baskets, hats, fans and for

thatching houses. The wood is used for firewood and building poles.

EASON: Fruits are collected during the dry season, i.e. April to July.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated. It can be propagated by

seed.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

377

THE SPECIES

Hyphaene compressa Arecaceae (Palmae)

Fruit

Young plants

Mature tree

Bunch of fruit

378

THE SPECIES

Hyphaene coriacea (H. pileata) Arecaceae (Palmae)

Indigenous [Plate 2]

OCAL NAMES: Digo: Mkoma lume; English: Doum palm; Gogo: Mlala; Hehe:

Mlala; Maasai: Olmorokwet; Nyamwezi: Mulala; Pare: Kweche; Swahili:

Mkoma, Mkoche, Mlala, Mnyaa; Zigua: Mkonko.

ESCRIPTION: A shrubby tree 1.5–5 m forming thickets, with trunks low along the

ground, rarely a well-shaped tree, stems suckering, the trunks only branched

once or twice making 4 crowns, leaf scars prominent on the trunk, which often

has many old leaf bases as well, trunk to 25 cm diameter. LEAVES: Fan shaped,

8–15 leaves, 30–80 cm long divided into 15–20 segments, waxy and scaly,

the stalk about 70 cm with black spines to 1 cm at the base. FLOWERS: Male

and female trees; male flower stalk to 1 m, arching over, with 15-cm branchlets

which bear the tiny 3-mm yellow flowers producing pollen; female flower stalk

more upright, to 1 m, with even smaller flowers, the central ovary bright green.

FRUIT: Ripe fruit shiny brown, somewhat bell shaped, up to 6 cm long x

4 cm across (usually less) with a ridge on one side, not deeply pitted. A spongy

fibrous pulp surrounds the seed, edible, tasting sweet and gingery. The fruits

are produced in large quantities and take two years to mature, so may be seen

on the tree throughout the year hanging in large bunches.

COLOGY: Coastal regions, especially in sand dunes and beside creeks, behind

mangroves, rarer inland; a pioneer stabilizer in sand dunes, 0–300 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Coastal and western Tanzania, Pemba; coastal Kenya, Somalia to

Mozambique, South Africa and Madagascar.

USES:

Food:

– The ripe fruit pulp is eaten raw. It tastes sweet and is much liked by children

and herdsmen.

– Fruit kernels are also edible.

– Young fruits produce sweet juice.

– Palm wine is produced from sap that is tapped from the tip of the main stem.

Medicinal: Fruit pulp is used as medicine for stomach-ache.

Commercial: Various articles woven from the leaves are sold in local and ur-

ban markets.

Other: Leaves are used to make mats, hats, fans, baskets and for thatching

houses.

EASON: Fruits are collected during dry season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Fruits are usually collected from the wild, but sometimes planted

using fresh seeds.

TATUS: Locally common.

379

THE SPECIES

Hyphaene coriacea (H. pileata) Arecaceae (Palmae)

Structure at base of leaf and

young hanging fruit

Young tree

Habit, female

flowers and fruit

Dry fruit on section

of stalk

380

THE SPECIES

Hyphaene petersiana Arecaceae (Palmae)

(H. ventricosa)

Indigenous [Plate 2]

OCAL NAMES: English: Doum palm, Fan palm, Southern ilala palm; Gogo: Mulala;

Gorowa: Thati; Iraqw: Thanthi; Mbugwe: Mwangwa; Nyamwezi: Mulala;

Sandawi: Hangwe; Swahili: Mkoche, Mlala.

ESCRIPTION: This palm is usually solitary and unbranched, but occasionally

several stems may grow together, the narrow dark trunks sometimes leaning or

curved, 15–20 m. The stem base is raised on a mass of fibrous roots and the

trunk usually has a swelling 1–2 m below the crown. BARK: Grey-black, clearly

marked with concentric rings, the scars of old leaf growth. LEAVES: 12–16

fan-shaped leaves with about the same number of dead leaves, each with a

stalk 1–2 m, including the thorny base, waxy grey-green, 20–50 segments

joined together about half their length. FLOWERS: On male and female trees,

yellow-green in hanging, hairy brown flower heads arising on sprays be-

tween the leaves. FRUIT: Round to pear shaped in large bunches, each

one only 5–8 cm long, a shiny red-brown all over, taking a year to mature,

the central stone, 3.5 cm across, easily separated from a fibrous pulp, spongy

and brown to 1 cm thick. The white onion-shaped seed contains a little

milk (when young) and has an unpleasant smell when cut. Ripe fruit may

remain 2 years on the tree.

COLOGY: Along watercourses in tropical conditions; in East Africa, inland on alka-

line soils with a high water-table, elsewhere by the coast. Trees may be numer-

ous on alluvial flats; found also on sandy plains and in many types of wood-

land.

ISTRIBUTION: In northern, central, eastern and southern Tanzania from Lakes

Manyara and Eyasi southwards, throughout the Zambezi region, to northern

Gauteng, Angola, Namibia and through the Congo basin to West Africa.

SES:

Food:

– Ripe fruit pulp is eaten raw.

– Kernels are also edible.

– Young fruits produce sweet juice.

– Palm wine is produced from sap that is tapped from the tip of the main stem.

Medicinal: The pulp from the fruit is used as medicine for intestinal worms

and stomach-ache.

Commercial: Woven articles are sold in markets.

Other: Leaves are used as fibre for making mats, hats, baskets, fans and for

thatching houses.

EASON: Fruits are collected during the rainy season.

381

THE SPECIES

STORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Usually collected from the wild. The plant can be propagated by

seed.

TATUS: Common within its habitat.

Hyphaene petersiana (contd) Arecaceae (Palmae)

Brown spongy layer

around white seed

Shiny brown fruits

382

THE SPECIES

Inhambanella henriquesii Sapotaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Swahili: Mkungu wazimu, Msikundazi.

ESCRIPTION: An evergreen tree, usually 12–15 m but up to 40 m, often with small

buttresses, all parts containing milky latex. BARK: Rough, grey, finely

scaly. LEAVES: The young flush of growth often red, leaves oval, wider at

the round or notched tip, 7–25 cm, a distinctive dark green above, paler

below, base narrowed to a 5 cm stalk, edge wavy, a pair of stipules fall early,

leaves spirally arranged or crowded at ends of branches, alternate, quite stiff,

3–12 pairs, nerves clear below, well spaced. FLOWERS: Yellow-cream-white,

honey-scented about 1.5 cm diameter, on stalks to 2 cm, few to many flowers

clustered in leaf axils, 5–6 free sepals in one whorl, a tiny corolla tube with

5 corolla lobes, longer than the calyx, to 5 mm, each with 2 small lateral lobes,

5 stamens and 5 petal-like staminodes, each flower on a stalk about 1 cm.

FRUIT: A round red berry 2–3 cm across, yellow at first with soft sweet

milky flesh enclosing dark shiny seeds.

COLOGY: Found in lowland rainforest and forest on land with high ground water

or rather dry evergreen forest (0–300 m), e.g. in Kilombero Valley, in Morogoro

Region, around Bagamoyo and on Pemba Island.

ISTRIBUTION: This species is found in coastal areas and along river valleys in Kenya

and Tanzania, and along the coast of Mozambique extending up river valleys

into Zimbabwe and southern Malawi, south to KwaZulu-Natal.

SES:

Food:

Ripe fruits are collected from the ground or picked from the tree and eaten

raw. They have a sweet taste and are much liked by children.

Medicinal: The bark is soaked in cold water and the infusion is used as medi-

cine to treat stomach-ache.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for timber, tool handles and domestic utensils. The

tree is good for shade and amenity.

EASON: Fruits are collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated. It can be propagated by

seed.

TATUS: Occasional within its area of distribution.

383

THE SPECIES

Inhambanella henriquesii Sapotaceae

Flower

Flower opened out to

show petals, stamens

and staminodes

Seeds and fruit

384

THE SPECIES

Ipomoea cairica var. cairica Convolvulaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Hehe: Nyakapulikilo; Nyamwezi: Ilando-ipolu; Swahili: Kiazi pori;

Tongwe: Lunsyonsyo.

DESCRIPTION: A perennial herb from a tuberous rootstock, the stems twin-

ing or growing along the ground to 1.8 m, hairy only at the nodes, stem

smooth or rough. LEAVES: Palmately divided to the base into 5–7 lobes 3–

10 cm long and wide on a stalk 2–6 cm, the lobes variable but narrow to 4

cm, the outer lobes often split again. FLOWERS: Funnel shaped, purple-

red-white with a purple centre, some purple outside, 4.5–6 cm long, axil-

lary on a branched stalk with a few flowers, 5 tiny sepals with pale edges, 2

rounded stigmas. FRUIT: A rounded capsule to 1.2 cm across, papery brown,

containing several black hairy seeds.

COLOGY: A plant of forest clearings, lake shores, swampy grassland, hedges, waste

and cultivated ground, 700–2,000 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania but not found in the southern highlands;

Kenya, Uganda, throughout tropical Africa, also from the eastern Mediterra-

nean through Asia to Taiwan.

SES:

Food:

Leaves are collected, withered in the sun, then cooked alone or mixed with

other vegetables such as amaranth or peas, coconut milk or groundnut paste

added and served with a staple.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used as fodder for cows, goats and rabbits.

EASON: Leaves are collected during the rainy season and soon after it.

TORAGE: Dried leaves can be stored for several months.

ANAGEMENT: Usually collected from the wild but sometimes cultivated in

homegardens using cuttings.

STATUS: Locally common.

385

THE SPECIES

Ipomoea cairica var. cairica Convolvulaceae

Twining habit

Fruit capsules

Flower

386

THE SPECIES

Ipomoea eriocarpa Convolvulaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Matengo: Linambatata; Ngoni: Bwaka, Mtalilo; Nyasa: Bwaka,

Mtalilo.

DESCRIPTION: A small annual twiner or creeper with slender hairy stems. LEAVES:

Small, oval to heart shaped or long oblong, 2.5–8 cm, usually arrow shaped

at the base; on stalks to 4 cm, smooth above, spreading hairs on veins below.

FLOWERS: Small, in dense clusters, mauve, white or pink, tubular, all with

a darker mauve-pink centre, 13 mm across, only 6–9 mm long, 3–5 flowers

beside leaves, shortly stalked, very hairy sepals and narrow bracts. FRUIT:

Hairy, round to 6 mm diameter, splitting open to set free 2–4 black seeds.

COLOGY: Found in grassland, savanna woodland, cultivated ground, often on clay

soils, along roads and pathways and a creeper in the adjacent bush; mostly low

to medium altitudes, 0–1,400 m.

ISTRIBUTION: All over Tanzania, including Zanzibar and Pemba, except the central

and Tanga areas. Also in Kenya, Uganda, the rest of tropical Africa from Egypt

to South Africa, Madagascar, into tropical Asia and northern Australia.

SES:

Food:

Leaves are collected, withered in the sun then cooked alone or as a mixture

with other vegetable such as Amaranthus, Bidens or Galinsoga and served

with a staple.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used for fodder.

EASON: Leaves are collected during and soon after the rainy season.

TORAGE: Dried leaves can be stored for several months.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild but can be cultivated using cuttings.

TATUS: Locally common.

387

THE SPECIES

Ipomoea eriocarpa Convolvulaceae

Flower

Enlarged seed

Young fruit

Mature hairy fruit—

capsule split open

388

THE SPECIES

Ipomoea pres-caprae (I. biloba) Convolvulaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Hehe: Nyakapulikilo; Sambaa: Talata; Swahili: Majani ya mwaka,

Mlakasa.

DESCRIPTION: A straggling hairless perennial with thick hollow stems, 5–30 m,

creeping along sand, often forming tangled mats. LEAVES: Almost round,

deeply notched, almost bi-lobed, held up by purplish stalks 5–17 cm, blades

3–10 cm wide and long. FLOWERS: Corolla funnel shaped, pink-red-

purple, 3–5 cm long with a darker centre, 5 sepals about 1 cm, each flower

stalk to 4 cm on a many-flowered main stalk, 3–16 cm. FRUIT: A dry round

capsule to 1.8 cm across containing several brown-black hairy seeds.

COLOGY: Sandy sea shores and estuaries above high-tide mark, more rarely on

inland lake shores and by roadsides, 0–1,200 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in Tanga Region and other eastern, western and southern

parts of Tanzania, Zanzibar, Pemba; Kenya, Somalia, Mozambique, Malawi,

the Congo basin, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Angola to West Africa, pantropical.

SES:

Food:

– Leaves are collected, chopped and cooked alone or with other vegetables

such as Cleome gynandra, Galinsoga parviflora or Bidens pilosa and eaten

with a staple.

– Alternatively, leaves can be dried for storage and preparation later.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used for fodder.

EASON: Leaves can be collected at all times because it grows near water.

TORAGE: Dried leaves can be stored for several months.

ANAGEMENT: Usually collected from the wild, but can be easily propagated using

cuttings.

STATUS: Locally common.

389

THE SPECIES

Ipomoea pres-caprae (I. biloba) Convolvulaceae

Flower

Fruit capsule

390

THE SPECIES

Isoglossa lactea Acanthaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Matengo: Litimbatimba; Sambaa: Mbonyati-ngoshi.

ESCRIPTION: A trailing or scrambling hairless herb, with ascending stems 1–2.5 m,

rooting from a woody base. LEAVES: Opposite, long oval to 8 cm, the tip

tapering, base narrowed to a short stalk, sometimes fleshy, red below and

along midrib. FLOWERS: White, arising on large open heads, branched

several times, thin wiry stalks, each flower about 12 mm long, broadly

funnel shaped with a 3-lobed lip, spotted purple in the throat, 5 narrow sepals.

FRUIT: Hard brown pointed capsules, about 2 cm, tip pointed, breaking

open to set free rough seeds, young fruit white with pink tips.

COLOGY: A herb of montane evergreen rainforest or riparian forests, often dominant

over large areas of the forest floor, 1,300–1,800 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania except in central and southern areas; Kenya,

Uganda.

USES:

Food:

Leaves are collected, chopped and cooked with coconut milk or pounded

groundnuts and served with a staple.

Medicinal: Roots are boiled and the decoction is drunk three times a day as a

remedy for STDs and coughs.

Commercial: Sold in local markets.

Other: The plant is used for fodder.

EASON: Leaves are collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated. The plant can be established

by seed and cuttings.

STATUS: Locally common.

EMARKS: A recognized weed of gardens.

391

THE SPECIES

Isoglossa lactea Acanthaceae

Flower

BudFruit

392

THE SPECIES

Jacquemontia tamnifolia Convolvulaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Ngindo: Bwala bwaya; Swahili: Kikopwe.

ESCRIPTION: An annual twiner, the stems with flattened silky hairs. LEAVES:

An oval blade to 6 cm long and wide, tip generally well pointed, base variable to

a stalk about 3.5 cm, sometimes a few hairs. FLOWERS: Blue, funnel shaped

in dense crowded heads. 2–3 cm across, rusty coloured when dry, on stalks

to 15 cm, leafy bracts surround the heads, about 2 cm long, each flower

with 5 narrow hairy sepals, to 7 mm. FRUIT: Capsules round and somewhat

lobed, straw coloured to 5 mm across, containing 4 brown seeds.

COLOGY: Dry scrub, grasslands and cultivated ground on sandy or rocky soils,

60–900 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in eastern Tanzania and on Zanzibar and Pemba Islands;

occurs, for example, in the foothills of the East Usambara Mountains. Also found

from West Africa to Kenya and south to South Africa and on Madagascar. Also

in tropical America.

SES:

Food:

Leaves are collected, withered in the sun and then cooked alone or mixed

with other vegetables such as peas or amaranth, coconut milk or pounded

groundnuts added. The vegetable is then ready for eating with a staple.

Medicinal:

– Leaves and roots are chewed and the juice swallowed as an antidote to green

mamba bite.

– The infusion from the leaves is used for washing wounds.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used for fodder and is suitable for ornamental purposes.

EASON: Leaves are collected during and soon after the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated. It can be propagated by

seed and cuttings.

STATUS: Occasional within its area of distribution.

393

THE SPECIES

Jacquemontia tamnifolia Convolvulaceae

Flower heads

Enlarged fruit capsule

Seed

One flower

394

THE SPECIES

Justicia heterocarpa Acanthaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Unkobo; Sambaa: Unkobo.

ESCRIPTION: An erect hairy annual herb, often much branched and spreading to

60 cm, the stem angular, ribbed and hairy, slightly swollen at nodes, rooting at

lower nodes. LEAVES: Opposite, oval 3–9 cm by 5 cm across, usually small, tip

pointed, base narrowed to a very short stalk, softly hairy. FLOWERS:

Surrounded by a pair of leafy bracts and the pale green calyx with darker

lobes, covered with soft white hairs, clusters of flowers in leaf axils,

stalkless, white-pink-mauve, 2-lobed under 6 mm, with dark red markings

in the throat, upper lip hooded over the 2 stamens. FRUIT: A dry capsule about

6 mm long containing 4 seeds, one above the other in each side (occasionally

some have hooked spines).

COLOGY: Locally common in dry grassland, bushland, Brachystegia woodland,

wooded grassland, rocky hillsides, often under shade, in a variety of soils, 300–

2,000 m. Many subspecies.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in all parts of Tanzania; also occurs in Kenya, Uganda,

Ethiopia, Burundi, and the Congo basin south to South Africa.

SES:

Food:

Leaves are collected, chopped and cooked alone or with other vegetables.

Pounded groundnuts or coconut milk are added and then served with a staple.

Commercial: Sold in local markets (Lushoto, Korogwe, Muheza).

Other: The plant is used for fodder. Also suitable for ornamental planting.

EASON: Leaves are collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Only collected from the wild but can be propagated by seed and

cuttings.

STATUS: Locally very common and regarded as a troublesome weed on farms.

EMARKS: Several other Justicia species are edible, including:

Justicia pinguior (Hehe: Nyawolo) a perennial herb arising from a woody

tuberous rootstock up to 80 cm long. This species is widespread in Tanzania,

Kenya and Uganda. Also found in Sudan. Leaves are pounded, boiled in water

and the decoction used as a remedy for intestinal worms.

395

THE SPECIES

Justicia heterocarpa Acanthaceae

Fruit capsules within

leafy bracts

Flower

396

THE SPECIES

Kedrostis leloja Cucurbitaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Hehe: Nyandanga; Sandawi: /”iko.

ESCRIPTION: A perennial, bristly or hairy climber to 1 m, from a swollen tuberous

rootstock; young stems green and herbaceous but the base thickened and

grey. The plant bears simple tendrils. LEAVES: Simple but with 5 shallow

lobes, to 6 cm across x 10 cm wide, the lobes wide at the tip, narrowed below,

the surface roughly hairy and some hairs on the stalk 5–60 mm. FLOWERS:

Male and female flowers separate on the same plant, very small green-

yellow; male flowers on a hanging stalk 3–9 cm, often on nearly leafless shoots,

female flowers solitary on short stalks, the flowers saucer shaped with pointed

lobes. FRUIT: Solitary on stalks about 1 cm, shiny, orange, 5–9 cm long and

about 1.5 cm wide. a long beak at the tip, breaking open by one long slit, the

smooth round seeds dark brown, surrounded by orange flesh in little packets of

red watery tissue.

COLOGY: Common in Combretum woodland, deciduous bushland with Acacia or

Euclea, in wooded grassland of dry areas, 0–600 m.

DISTRIBUTION: In southern and eastern Tanzania; also parts of Kenya, Somalia

and the Arabian peninsular.

SES:

Food:

– Leaves are collected, chopped and cooked, coconut milk or pounded ground-

nuts added and eaten along with a staple.

– Ripe fruits are fleshy and eaten raw, especially by children.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used for fodder. Also suitable for ornamental planting.

EASON: Leaves and fruits are collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated. This species can be

propagated by seed.

STATUS: Occasional within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: A recognized weed.

397

THE SPECIES

Kedrostis leloja Cucurbitaceae

Tendril

Swollen underground stem

Fruit

398

THE SPECIES

Kigelia africana Bignoniaceae

(K. pinnata, K. aethiopum)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Arusha: Oldaoboi; Bena: Mfumbi; Bondei: Mlegea; English:

Sausage tree; Fipa: Nzungwa; Gorowa: Dati; Haya: Mzungute; Hehe:

Mfumbi; Iraqw: Mangafi; Isanzu: Mulunzi; Luguru: Mwegea, Myegea;

Maasai: Oldaboi, Oldarpoi, Oldarboi, Ortarboi; Mbugwe: Mosofwa; Mwera:

Mtandi; Ngindo: Mtandi; Nguu: Mvungwe; Nguru: Mvungwe; Nyamwezi:

Mdungwa, Msanghwa, Mvungwa, Mwiegea; Nyaturu: Mungungu;

Nyiramba: Mulunzi; Rangi: Isuha, Msuha, Musuha, Musuva; Rufiji: Mtandi;

Sandawi: Irata, Ráta; Sukuma: Mgwicha, Ngwicha; Swahili: Mbungati,

Mbomba, Mranaa, Mti sumu, Mvungunya, Mvungwa, Mwicha, Mwegea;

Tongwe: Lifungwa; Zaramo: Myigeya; Zigua: Mvungwe; Zinza: Mzingute.

ESCRIPTION: A semi-deciduous tree with a rounded crown, to 9 m tall in open

woodland but to 18 m beside rivers. BARK: Grey-brown, smooth, flaking in

round patches with age. LEAVES: Compound, growing in threes, at the end

of the branches, few leaflets, each broadly oval, very rough and hard, up to

10 cm, often with a sharp tip, edge wavy. Flowers on long rope-like stalks 2–

3 m. Horizontal, reddish branches, in threes, bear up-turned trumpet-like

flowers, petals folded and wavy, dark maroon with heavy yellow veins

outside, an unpleasant smell. FRUIT: Large grey-green “sausages”, 30–60

cm long. Hanging stalks remain on the tree. Several kilos of fibrous pulp surround

the seeds which are only released when fruit rots on the ground.

COLOGY: Found in medium-altitude moist savanna woodland and along rivers in

dry areas, 0-1,800 m; rainfall 900–1,400 mm. Thrives in well-drained sandy

sediments and sandy loams.

ISTRIBUTION: Widely distributed in Tanzania and throughout tropical Africa.

SES:

Food:

The fruits are crushed and used to speed up fermentation in the preparation

of local alcoholic brews.

Medicinal:

– The leaves and stem bark are used as medicine for treatment of STDs, rheu-

matism, malaria, infertility, dysentery, epilepsy and headache.

– Fruits used for treatment of wounds.

– Bark and roots used for treatment of convulsions.

– The bark is boiled and the decoction used for treatment of stomach-ache.

– The bark is soaked in water and the liquid drunk to increase lactation in

women.

Commercial: The alcoholic brew made from the fruit is sold in local bars (Pare).

Other: The wood is used for beehives, drums, water troughs, mortars, stools,

399

THE SPECIES

milk pots and canoes. The tree is a good ornamental because of its large red

flowers and its large hanging sausage-like fruits. Also used as a bee-forage

tree. The fruit, either sliced or pounded, are fed to chickens as a treatment

for Newcastle disease.

EASON: Collected June–December

TORAGE: Mature fruits can be stored for more than a week before use.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and retained around homes and gardens for

medicinal purposes, but not planted. It can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: Unripe fruits are poisonous. The tree does not compete with crops.

Kigelia africana (contd) Bignoniaceae

Flower head

Stalked fruit

400

THE SPECIES

Landolphia kilimanjarica Apocynaceae

(L. buchananii)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Chagga: Kiwiru; Hehe: Liwungowungo; Nyamwezi: Ibungobugo;

Ivungovungo; Pare: Totwe; Sambaa: Mpia-mzitu, Ugooto; Swahili: Mbungo.

ESCRIPTION: A woody shrub or climbing liane to 6–20 m, the stem deeply fluted

and dark brown, branches twining in the tree canopy. Hooked tendrils may

be present or not. LEAVES: Long oval, narrow or wide, 5–12 cm, the tip

elongate but blunt, usually without hairs (except on midrib below), base

narrowed to a short stalk. FLOWERS: Small, fragrant, white-yellow with touches

of red or orange, in few-flowered terminal heads of 5–10 flowers, sepals

green, ovate, corolla tube 5–8 mm, with lobes about the same length,

overlapping to the left in the bud. FRUIT: A round berry with a hard rind,

green with white spots, 4–10 cm across, yellow when open, with 10 or more

seeds in juicy pulp.

COLOGY: Common in rainforest, fruiting more on the forest edges; also in hillside

thickets and bushland, on sloping rocky areas, in riverine forest, at medium

altitudes up to 1,600 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in almost all parts of Tanzania in suitable habitats, e.g. in

Kagera, Rukwa, Tanga, Kilimanjaro, Dodoma, Mbeya and Pwani Regions.

Widespread in West Africa, through the Congo basin to Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia,

and south to Zimbabwe.

SES:

Food:

The fruits are collected from the tree or from the ground when ripe, cut open

and the sweet pulp, together with the seeds, eaten fresh as a snack.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: Young stems are used as rope.

EASON: Collected in May to July.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: It is collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local

people, but can be propagated by seed and cuttings.

STATUS: Common in forests and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

401

THE SPECIES

Landolphia kilimanjarica Apocynaceae

Tendril

Section of fruit

One flower

402

THE SPECIES

Landolphia kirkii Apocynaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Digo: Kitoria, Libugu, Mpira; English: Rubber vine; Hehe:

Liwungowungo; Matengo: Kibungu, Libungu; Ngindo: Kibungo, Mahanga;

Nyasa: Maungu; Pare: Totwe; Sambaa: Mpia-mzitu; Ugoroto; Swahili:

Mlimbo, Mlungwana, Mmeru sukari, Moyo, Mpira, Mpo, Mpyo; Tongwe:

Libufu; Zigua: Utorojo.

ESCRIPTION: An evergreen climber 2–6 m, or sometimes a shrub. All parts

with sticky white latex. BARK: Smooth at first, then rough grey-brown.

Tendrils to 15 cm (sometimes absent) branched at the very tip. LEAVES:

Small, opposite, long oval, variable but 3–8 cm long, tapering to a short

blunt tip, hairy when young, later shiny. FLOWERS: Terminal loose heads

of flowers or beside leaves, hardly stalked, each flower tubular, very small,

white–pale pink. FRUIT: Rounded to oval, a many-seeded berry with a hard

skin, to 15 cm, dull green but spotted—the size of an orange. The 4–5 ovoid

seeds lie in juicy edible pulp.

COLOGY: A strong climber in forest, at forest edges and in Brachystegia bushland,

miombo woodlands on plateaux and wet valleys, in areas of higher rainfall.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in Tanga Region and other eastern coastal areas of Tanzania,

e.g. around Dar es Salaam and on Mafia and Zanzibar Islands; Kenya south to

southern Africa.

SES:

Food:

The pulp of ripe fruits is edible. Ripe fruits are cut in half and the yellow

juicy pulp eaten raw. It is sweet with a slightly acid taste.

Commercial: Sold in local markets.

Other: Stems are flexible and used as ropes. The latex is used as a rubber

substitute and birdlime.

EASON: Fruits are collected from March to June.

TORAGE: Ripe fruits can be stored in the shade for several weeks.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated. It can be propagated by

seed and cuttings.

STATUS: Locally common.

403

THE SPECIES

Landolphia kirkii Apocynaceae

Habit showing flowers and two fruit

404

THE SPECIES

Landolphia parvifolia Apocynaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Rubber vine; Hehe: Liwungowungo; Matengo: Kibundu,

Libungu; Nyamwezi: Ibungobungo, Muwungowungo; Nyasa: Maungu;

Swahili: Mbungo.

ESCRIPTION: An evergreen climber, 2 to several metres long, much-branched

and shrubby with tendrils at branched forks (altered flower stalks), dark green

young stems dotted with pale breathing pores and covered with short rusty

brown hairs. The strong tendrils are hooked. BARK: Dark, smooth; all parts,

including the roots, producing much white latex when cut. LEAVES: Opposite,

dark green, shiny above, paler below, leathery, up to 6.5 cm but generally

smaller, long oval, tip blunt, narrowed at the base to a short hairy stalk,

veins clear, parallel. FLOWERS: Fragrant cream-white in terminal clusters

on side branches to 10 cm, each flower tubular with 5 overlapping lobes,

often a yellow “eye” and brown spot at the base of each lobe. Flowers open late

in the day. Calyx lobes are whitish and green tipped. FRUIT: Like a small

orange when ripe, green at first, round, 3–5 cm diameter, with a sharp tip,

containing edible pulp around the seeds.

COLOGY: A forest climber in river valleys, on lake shores and woodland, often on

rocky outcrops in gravelly well-drained soils, 0–1,400 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in most parts of Tanzania, including Tabora, Lindi, Shinyanga,

Iringa and Rukwa Regions. Recorded in Malawi, Democratic Republic of Congo

and West Africa.

SES:

Food:

Ripe fruits are cut into two pieces and the juicy pulp eaten raw. It is sweet

but rather acidic and is much liked by children and herdsmen.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The latex from stem and fruits is used as a lime for trapping birds.

Fruits are much eaten by monkeys. The plant is important for ornamental

purposes and as a source of bee forage.

EASON: Ripe fruits are collected from July to October.

TORAGE: Locally marketed on a small scale.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and is not cultivated. It can be propagated

by seeds and cuttings.

STATUS: Occasional within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: The fruit resembles that of Strychnos but does not have the hard shell of

that genus.

405

THE SPECIES

Landolphia parvifolia Apocynaceae

Fruit

Flower buds

Tendril

406

THE SPECIES

Lannea fulva Anacardiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Gogo: Msabi, Muwurubu; Gorowa: Itiwi, Tsalmi; Hehe: Mgulumo;

Kerewe: Murangarara; Nyamwezi: Mselya; Rangi: Chandu, Mtarima,

Muchunganyama; Sandawi: Kwilili; Sukuma: Nselya; Zigua: Mumbu; Zinza:

Murangalala.

ESCRIPTION: A deciduous shrub or tree, 3–10 m, with a short bole and much

branching to a rounded crown, branchlets drooping. BARK: Thick, grey-brown,

tough, flaking. Branchlets, leaf and flower stalks have yellow hairs.

LEAVES: Some single leaves but usually 3 leaflets, the large central leaflet

5–8 cm, on a 2-cm stalk, lateral leaflets smaller, leaflets oval to rounded, tip

rounded, blunt or notched, dark shiny green above when mature, but

very dense pale yellow-brown hairs below. FLOWERS: Small, yellow-green,

on simple 4–12 cm spikes, with some branches, beside leaves, stalk white,

hairy. FRUIT: Small drupes, purple when ripe, less than 1 cm, oblong but

somewhat flattened.

COLOGY: Found in wooded grasslands, often on rocky hills, extending into deciduous

thickets and Brachystegia woodlands, often on termite mounds, forest edges,

900–1,600 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Occurs in the northern, western and central areas of Tanzania, e.g.

in Kigoma, Arusha, Mbeya, Dodoma, Shinyanga, Mwanza and Tabora Regions.

Also in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and the Congo basin.

SES:

Food:

The fruits are edible and sweet. They are mostly eaten by children as a

snack while they herd cattle.

Medicinal:

– The bark is crushed and used as a bandage (poultice) for wounds and snakebite

and, generally, to stop bleeding.

– Roots are soaked in warm water and drunk to treat stomach-ache and chest

pains (Nyamwezi, Gogo, Hehe).

Other: The wood is used for construction and the bark as string.

EASON: First fruit usually in December, main season in February and early March.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by local people.

It can be propagated by seed and cuttings.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

407

THE SPECIES

Lannea fulva Anacardiaceae

Fruit capsules

Flower spikes

408

THE SPECIES

Lannea humilis Anacardiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Lilinga; Gogo: Mnghanangha; Hehe: Mlinga, Mlingalinga;

Kerewe: Mnyamaji; Nyamwezi: Mtinje; Sandawi: G/.omi; Zinza:

Mhondobogo, Mnyamenzi.

ESCRIPTION: A small deciduous savanna tree or shrub, sometimes forming thickets,

3–6 m high, often flat topped. BARK: Dark grey, spongy, almost black in

older trees. Branches smooth but striated and have clear lenticels; young

branchlets white hairy. Shorter side shoots bear the leaves and flowers. LEAVES:

In tufts at the ends of side shoots, compound, with 3–10 pairs of opposite

leaflets plus a larger one at the tip, 10–15 cm long, each leaflet oval–oblong,

1–5 cm long, dark green above, the lower surface clearly veined and densely

covered with white or rusty woolly hairs when young. FLOWERS: Male

and female flowers on separate trees. Small, cream-yellow, in spikes 2–5 cm

long on short side branches, stalks covered with furry white hairs; 4 hairy

sepals and 4 petals only to 4.5 mm, arising from a small disc. Flowers appear

with the fresh leafy growth or on the bare tree. FRUIT: A drupe about 1 cm,

flat and oblong, covered with dense grey furry hairs, containing the seeds.

Many cluster on the short spike.

COLOGY: Found in deciduous bushland and woodland, locally common in wooded

grasslands where drainage is poor, often at edges of seasonally flooded valleys,

plains below hillsides and other local water catchments, 700–1,700 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in many parts of Tanzania. Recorded in Mwanza, Mara,

Singida, Iringa and Mbeya Regions. Also in Uganda, Kenya, Senegal to Sudan,

Rwanda, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, South Africa.

SES:

Food:

Ripe fruits are collected and eaten raw as a snack. They are sweet and eaten

in moderate amounts.

Medicinal: Roots are pounded, the powder stirred into warm water and drunk

for treatment of generalized body pains, stomach problems and cough.

Other: The bark is used as ropes. Flexible twigs are used as whips. The tree is

used as a live fence.

EASON: Fruits are collected from November to January.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local people.

A fire-resistant tree which coppices while still young.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

409

THE SPECIES

Lannea humilis Anacardiaceae

Lenticels on bark

Clusters of fruit

Male flower spikes

Tuft of leaves on a

side shoot

410

THE SPECIES

Lannea rivae (L. floccosa) Anacardiaceae

Indigenous [Plate 3]

OCAL NAMES: English: Wild grape; Gogo: Muwumbu; Ha: Ingege, Intabali,

Intulakigina; Hehe: Muwumbu; Nyamwezi: Mgumbugumbu, Mtinje;

Sandawi: Kwilili; Sukuma: Ntinje.

ESCRIPTION: A deciduous shrub or small tree, 1.5–6 m, with a flat spreading crown.

BARK: More or less smooth, becoming cracked and rough, underbark red. Short

thick branches with rough raised breathing pores. LEAVES: Wide oval to

rounded, 3–10 cm, rough above and dense star-shaped white hairs below,

leaf stalks to 4 cm with similar hairs, leaves single but several crowded on the

short small knobbly side branches. FLOWERS: Often on the bare tree, very

small, along spike-like stalks 1–3 cm on short lateral branches, petals yellow-

green to 5 mm, sepals and stalks covered with white star-shaped hairs. FRUIT:

Ovoid, to 1.4 cm long, densely hairy, with edible flesh around the seed.

COLOGY: In wooded grassland, semi-evergreen and deciduous bushland, often on

rocky sites including lava, 300–2,000 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in north-eastern Tanzania and also in many parts of Kenya

and southern Ethiopia.

SES:

Food:

Fruits are juicy and eaten fresh. They taste sweet and are eaten as a snack,

especially by children and herdsmen.

Medicinal: The bark is chewed to treat coughs, colds and stomach-ache.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: Roots are dug up and the bark peeled off to make ropes. Branches are

used to make toothbrushes. The tree is suitable for hedges.

EASON: Fruits are available from October to December.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Usually collected from the wild, but can easily be propagated by

seeds and cuttings.

STATUS: Locally common.

EMARKS: A suitable tree for agroforestry.

411

THE SPECIES

Lannea rivae (L. floccosa) Anacardiaceae

Flowering head

Fruiting head

412

THE SPECIES

Lannea schweinfurthii var. stuhlmannii Anacardiaceae

(L. stuhlmannii)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Arusha: Eravande; Chagga: Ishishina; English: False marula;

Gogo: Muwumbu; Iraqw: Orbochandi, Tambaragi, Thigi, Thigii; Kuria:

Mumendo, Omosaruwa; Luguru: Muhingilo; Matengo: Ndelamwana; Mwera:

Mpupi; Ngindo: Mpwipwi; Nyamwezi: Mnyumbu; Nyaturu: Musagha; Pare:

Msighe; Rangi: Msakawa; Sandawi: /.Amaka; Sukuma: Msayu, Nsayu;

Swahili: Mfupapu, Mnyumbo, Mtundu, Mumbu, Muumbu; Zaramo:

Mpiwipwi; Zigua: Mumbu; Zinza: Mnyamendi, Mribwampara, Muhondobogo.

ESCRIPTION: A shrub or small deciduous tree, usually 3–5 m, irregularly branched,

the crown rounded and spreading, branchlets drooping. BARK: Grey-brown,

fairly smooth, flaking when older. LEAVES: Compound, usually crowded at

the ends of branches, few leaflets, usually 3–5, shiny and stiff, oval, larger

terminal leaflet to 9 cm, tips blunt, leaf stalk grooved. FLOWERS: Strongly

scented, small, cream coloured, in hanging spikes to 20 cm. Male and female

trees. FRUIT: Oblong, 1–2 cm, red-brown, fleshy, edible.

COLOGY: Deciduous woodland and bushland, wooded grassland, dry forests and

river valleys, 0–1,800 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania, including Zanzibar and Pemba, e.g. occurs

in Tanga, Morogoro, Pwani, Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro Regions, around

Pangani, Mikumi National Park, Kilosa, Pugu and Mgambo Forest Reserves,

and Mzizima. Also in Uganda, Kenya and south to South Africa.

SES:

Food:

The ripe pink fruit are collected in handfuls and eaten fresh, mostly as a

snack and thirst quencher. The whole fruit and the seeds are sweet.

Medicinal:

– The bark is boiled and used as a tonic for anaemia. A decoction of the bark is

used by the Pare and Gogo for treatment of diarrhoea, stomach-ache and

headache.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: Timber for doors, bedsteads, household utensils, tool handles, walking

sticks, cartwheels, milk pots, grain mortars and stools. Bark for rope making

and red dye. Roots used by the Sambaa for a bath that is believed to bring

good luck in business. The tree is also used for live fencing and shade.

EASON: Fruits are collected in May–June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local people.

It can be propagated by seed and cuttings.

413

THE SPECIES

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: There are two varieties in Tanzania, one occurring in coastal forest and

not known elsewhere. The species is resistant to fire. A related species, L. alata

(Maasai: Endungui), a shrub or small tree, 1–6 m, found in northern Tanzania

also has edible fruits. It also occurs in Kenya and Somalia.

Lannea schweinfurthii var. stuhlmannii (contd)

L. alata

Leafy stem with fruits

Fruiting head

Flowering shoot

414

THE SPECIES

Lantana camara Verbenaceae

South America

OCAL NAMES: English: Tuck-berry; Gogo: Muwaha; Hehe: Luhongole, Lupebeta;

Iraqw: Xaslaamo; Nyamwezi: Mpugambu; Rangi: Gigambu; Sambaa: Mvuti;

Swahili: Mvuti.

ESCRIPTION: A scrambling evergreen shrub, 1–5 m, with many small recurved

prickles on the 4-angled stems, becoming woody and forming a dense thicket.

LEAVES: Opposite or in threes, aromatic, ovate, 3–9 cm, tip pointed, base

rounded to a short stalk, the edge toothed, the upper surface rough,

sandpapery. FLOWERS: Small and tubular in flat colourful heads 5 cm

across, yellow-orange to pink-purple, changing colour with age. FRUIT:

A cluster of round berries, each one about 8 mm across, green at first,

ripening black.

COLOGY: Does well in medium and high-altitude areas where it forms dense thickets

by roadsides, in forest clearings, abandoned fields and other disturbed areas.

Very invasive in a wide range of environments, up to 2,000 m; rainfall 1,100–

1,800 mm. Tolerates a wide range of soil types.

ISTRIBUTION: Originally from the West Indies or South America but now naturalized

throughout the tropics and subtropics of both hemispheres. Widespread in

Tanzania, especially in the northern and eastern parts.

SES:

Food:

The ripe black fruits are eaten in handfuls, especially by children as a snack.

Medicinal: The aromatic leaves are used as medicine. They are burnt and the

ash used to treat colds, coughs, toothache, sore throat and conjunctivitis.

The leaves are also used as a steam inhalation to treat headache and colds.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: Ornamental, and can be planted as a hedge.

EASON: Fruits are collected in September–December.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected in the wild, but also planted as a hedge, ornamental and

boundary marker. Propagated by seed and cuttings.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: It is a very troublesome weed.

415

THE SPECIES

Lantana camara Verbenaceae

Prickly stems

Flowering head

Mature fruiting head

416

THE SPECIES

Lantana trifolia Verbenaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Sage brush; Bende: Mhugambu; Bondei: Mhuuga; Hehe:

Luhongole; Maasai: Enkurma-onkayiok, Lukurman-oonkayiok,

Olmagirigiriani; Nyamwezi: Mpugambu; Sambaa: Msasa-kilasha, Muhanta;

Swahili: Mvepe.

ESCRIPTION: A small scrambling shrub, 0.3–3 m, the stems with stiff hairs but no

prickles. LEAVES: In threes, occasionally opposite, long oval, 1.25–10 cm

long, the edge closely toothed, the upper surface wrinkled and

sandpapery, densely soft hairy below, tip pointed, very shortly stalked.

FLOWERS: Arise on stalks 2.5–10 cm long, beside leaves, the flower head

rounded at first to 2.5 cm diameter, elongating with age. Each flower mauve,

purple or pink, 5-lobed, slightly 2–lipped, often a yellow throat, only 3–7 mm

across. FRUIT: A group of small separate red-purple berry-like drupes,

soft and edible.

COLOGY: A shrub of forest and bush edges, disturbed forest and roadsides, growing

also in grasslands, bushland, abandoned cultivation, tolerating a wide variety

of soils. This plant varies greatly throughout its range and is hybridized with

other Lantana species, 900–2,500 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Found throughout Tanzania, e.g. in Kagera, Kilimanjaro, Rukwa,

Iringa, Kigoma, Arusha and Morogoro Regions. Also in Uganda, Kenya and

widespread in the rest of Africa.

SES:

Food:

– The ripe purple fruits are occasionally collected in handfuls and eaten fresh

on the spot as a snack and to quench thirst. They have a sweet taste.

– Leaves are used to flavour milk.

Medicinal:

– Leaves are crushed and mixed in hot water and drunk to treat rheumatism,

generalized body pains and indigestion. Leaves are also used for treatment

of colds and ringworm.

– Roots are used to treat eczema.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used for fodder and as a source of bee forage. The stems are

used for constructing storage containers and fish traps.

EASON: Fruits are collected late in the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local people.

It can be propagated by seed and cuttings.

417

THE SPECIES

STATUS: Common and easily accessed within its area of distribution; especially

appreciated by firewood gatherers, hunters, pastoralists and children.

EMARKS: The plant is suitable for planting as a hedge or ornamental.

Lantana trifolia (contd) Verbenaceae

Hairy stems

Fruit head

Flower head

418

THE SPECIES

Lantana ukambensis (L. rhodesiensis) Verbenaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Chagga: Efurie; English: Sage brush; Hehe: Luhongole;

Nyamwezi: Mpugambu; Sambaa: Msasakilasha.

DESCRIPTION: A woody herb or small shrub under 2 m, often multi-stemmed (no

prickles). LEAVES: Mostly opposite or in whorls of 3, ovate 1–8 cm long,

the tip pointed, base narrowed, edge round-toothed, the surface sandpapery

above but hairy below. FLOWERS: Mauve-purple, the centre often

yellow-white, each slightly 2-lipped, tubular, only 1–3 mm across, in a dense

many flowered head, the short stalks to 2 cm, the whole shorter than

the leaves, surrounded by large bracts at the base, as broad as the young

flower head, over 1 cm, usually hairy and ribbed. FRUIT: Blue-purple berries,

rounded, shiny, 2–4 mm across, containing one seed, covered at first by the

membranous calyx.

COLOGY: Found in grassland (often with thatching grasses, Hyparrhenia) and

wooded grassland (with Combretum spp.) open woodland (including

Brachystegia), old cultivation, sometimes amongst granite rocks, bushland,

secondary bushland, 100–2,100 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in all parts of Tanzania; also in Kenya, Uganda, west to

Cameroon, the Congo basin, Burundi, Rwanda, Sudan, Ethiopia, and south to

Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

SES:

Food:

Ripe berries are collected and eaten fresh. They are sweet and much liked by

children.

Medicinal:

– Leaves are chewed or pounded and soaked in warm water and the liquid is

drunk to treat coughs, fever and sores in the throat and on the tongue.

– Roots are boiled in water and drunk for rheumatism and generalized body

pains (Sambaa).

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The stems are used for starting fire and as torches. Leaves are used an

as insect repellent. The plant is suitable as an ornamental and hedge and

provides forage for bees.

EASON: Fruits are collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, but can be propagated by seed and cuttings.

TATUS: Locally common.

419

THE SPECIES

Lantana ukambensis (L. rhodesiensis) Verbenaceae

Bracts surround

flower heads

Enlarged flower

Hairy lower leaf

surface

Enlarged berry fruit

with bract

Enlarged seed

420

THE SPECIES

Laportea ovalifolia (Fleurya ovalifolia) Urticaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Pupu; Hehe: Lugeni, Nyaluvafya; Luguru: Mpupu;

Sambaa: Pupu; Swahili: Mpupu; Zigua: Pupu.

ESCRIPTION: A perennial herb, almost entirely spreading across the ground

by stolons and rooting at the nodes; only the male flower stalks erect, but

shoots can reach over 1 m, usually with short stinging hairs; rather woody at

the base. LEAVES: Alternate, variable in size and shape, to 10 cm long, edge

toothed, tip long pointed, short stinging hairs on the upper surfaces and nerves

below, pointed stipules half joined, to 1 cm, leaf stalk 5–10 cm long. Linear

cystoliths (hair-like structures) occur along the veins. FLOWERS: Male and

female separate. Male flowers are seen on fleshy pink-brown erect stalks

to 50 cm which arise directly from leaf axils of underground stems, in dense

pink-cream clusters about 1 cm across with dark glandular hairs. The

anthers split open explosively as the filaments uncurl. One to a few female

flowers arise from 5 cm stalks, almost underground. FRUIT: Flat oval achenes,

3–4 mm,

COLOGY: Found in the herb ground layer of rainforest, swamp forest, along streams,

900–2,000 m. Sometimes in gaps or along forest paths, even on adjacent

cultivated land.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in the western parts of Tanzania, e.g. around Bukoba and

Kigoma. Also found in Uganda, Kenya, widespread in west and central Africa

from Sierra Leone to southern Sudan, and south to Angola and Zimbabwe.

SES:

Food:

Young leaves, which have a mild taste, are collected, washed, chopped, boiled,

mixed with beans or peas, or even served on their own with a staple. They

are eaten in small amounts.

Medicinal:

– Leaves are pounded, soaked in water and the infusion drunk to help deliver

the placenta after childbirth.

– Roots are boiled in water and the liquid drunk to prevent excessive men-

strual bleeding.

EASON: Collected in the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local people.

An invasive weed in farmland.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: Easily recognized by the creeping stolons.

421

THE SPECIES

Laportea ovalifolia (Fleurya ovalifolia) Urticaceae

Long flower heads

Stipules

422

THE SPECIES

Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius subsp. vaughanii Sapindaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: River litchi; Luguru: Mzindanguruwe; Luo: Riangata;

Sambaa: Mbwewe; Swahili: Mbwewe, Mnanyakanda; Tongwe: Kafulujege;

Vidunda: Mnyanza, Muyanza.

ESCRIPTION: A densely leafy tree 5–18 m, usually about 7 m. BARK: Fairly smooth,

grey, becoming darker and rougher, even scaly, with age. LEAVES: Alternate,

compound, with 3–7 pairs of thin leaflets, generally oval, 3–11 cm long, the

lowest leaflets often smaller, on a stalk to 5.5 cm, young leaflets orange-red,

turning yellow-green, tip tapering but blunt, base rounded, almost stalkless,

the edge wavy when dried. FLOWERS: Yellow-green, small, along rather loose

unbranched spike-like heads about 10 cm long, from leaf axils, separate

male and female trees, no petals but 4–5 sepals to 3 mm, about 10 stamens,

very small yellow female flowers on shorter stalks than male flowers, urn-like

in shape with soft black hairs at the tip of the neck. FRUIT: Yellow-orange-

pink capsules, ovoid, about 1 cm long, the surface covered with short dense

hairs; when ripe the skin breaks irregularly to set free one hard seed

enclosed in a blue-white fleshy covering which is edible.

COLOGY: Riverine, lakeside and fringing forest, swamp forest, bushland, grassland

with scattered trees, sometimes forming thickets, 0–1,400 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania, including on Zanzibar and Pemba Islands,

e.g. in Morogoro, Kagera, Tanga and Mara Regions. Also occurs in Kenya,

Uganda, Ethiopia and Somalia.

SES:

Food:

Ripe fruits are collected and eaten raw as a snack.

Medicinal:

– The bark and roots are soaked in water and the infusion drunk to treat

constipation.

– The bark is soaked in water and the liquid vigorously whisked. The result-

ing foam is rubbed into the breasts of mothers in order to stimulate lactation

and purify milk in the breast.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The hard wood is used for poles, tool handles, carvings, spoons and

grain mortars. The tree provides good shade.

EASON: Fruits are collected from April to June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by the local

people. This species can be propagated by seed.

STATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

423

THE SPECIES

Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius subsp. vaughanii (contd)

Fruiting branch

Male flower

Fruit capsule

Flowering branch

424

THE SPECIES

Leonotis nepetifolia Lamiaceae (Labiatae)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Linyominyomi; Hehe: Lisanzauki; Nyamwezi: Mfyomfyo.

ESCRIPTION: A tall woody annual herb, to 2.4 m, almost unbranched, the stiff

stems deeply ridged; most parts finely hairy. LEAVES: Opposite, long oval,

to 12 cm long, narrowed to a long stalk, the edges toothed, surfaces hairy.

FLOWERS: In dense rounded clusters at the upper nodes, flowers opening a

few at a time from the top downwards, each flower to 3.5 cm long, bright

orange, tubular with a densely hairy upper lip, 4 stamens lying below, and

a hairless lower lip. The surrounding calyx is funnel shaped with 8 spines,

very prickly when dry. FRUIT: 4 smooth nutlets, long and thin, lie within

the persistent calyx tube.

COLOGY: Found at forest margins, on wasteland, roadsides, in thickets, abandoned

homesteads, generally in humus-rich soils, in secondary regrowth, 900–2,100

ISTRIBUTION: Found in most parts of Tanzania, for example in Dodoma, Kagera,

Tabora, Mbeya, Morogoro and Iringa Regions; also in Burundi, Uganda, Kenya

and from Senegal to Sudan.

Uses:

Food:

Mature flowers are picked and the nectar sucked or licked from the base of

the flowers. It tastes sweet and is usually eaten in small amounts as a snack.

Usually much liked by children, and the flowers are also much visited by

sunbirds and bees.

Medicinal: Leaves are pounded, soaked in cold water and the liquid drunk to

relieve stomach pain and fever or to kill intestinal worms.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used for ornamental purposes and as a source of bee for-

age.

EASON: Flowers soon after the first rains.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local people.

Can be propagated by seed.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: It is a common weed in fields and gardens in most parts of Tanzania.

425

THE SPECIES

Leonotis nepetifolia Lamiaceae (Labiatae)

Rounded flower cluster

426

THE SPECIES

Lepisanthes senegalensis Sapindaceae

(Aphania senegalensis)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Luguru: Mduru-mweupe; Maasai: Oleragai; Mwera: Mguena,

Mgwena; Pare: Mkungulungu; Swahili: Kihari, Mlangwe; Zinza: Msaro.

DESCRIPTION: An evergreen tree 6–21 m with a heavy leafy crown. BARK: Smooth

pale grey-brown. LEAVES: Compound, pinnate, the leaf stalks to 10 cm and

crimson when young as well as the lower midrib, 1–3 pairs of large leaflets,

8–19 cm, the top pair always opposite, shortly stalked, slightly one-sided, the

long tip blunt or rounded, drying grey-green above and paler below. FLOWERS:

Small, yellow-green male and female flowers with a rather unpleasant smell,

growing along loose branched heads from leaf axils, or all appearing terminal,

usually flowering with new leaf growth. Flowering heads 5–20 cm, the

young stalks with golden hairs, each flower with 5 white petals, to 4 mm,

with a hairy fringe, 5–7 yellow stamens. FRUIT: Oval, red 12–18 mm,

containing 2 black seeds.

COLOGY: Evergreen lowland and submontane forest, riverine forest, often on coral

or lava rock near the sea, 0–1,800 m.

ISTRIBUTION: In all parts of Tanzania except western and central areas, e.g. in

Morogoro, Mara, Kilimanjaro, Pwani, Mwanza and Kagera Regions. Also found

from West Africa to Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, south to Mozambique and in

India and Malaysia.

SES:

Food:

Ripe fruits are fleshy and eaten raw. The pulp is swallowed and seeds dis-

carded (Mafia).

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is medium hard and used for furniture, building poles, tool

handles and spoons. The tree is used for shade. It is also used as fish poison

(flowers).

EASON: Ripe fruits are collected from February to June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Ripe fruits are collected from the wild, but the tree can be propagated

using fresh seed.

TATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: Leaves and seeds are reported to be poisonous to goats and the flowers

poisonous to fish.

427

THE SPECIES

Lepisanthes senegalensis (contd) Sapindaceae

Flowering and fruiting branch

Male flower (sepals

and petals removed)

Male flower

Female flower (sepals

and petals removed)

Fruit

428

THE SPECIES

Leptactina benguelensis Rubiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Hehe: Kindokoli, Kitokoli; Luguru: Mfyonzefyonze; Nyamwezi:

Mavya-ga-ntumbili, Mavolo-ga-ntumbili.

ESCRIPTION: A wiry perennial shrubby herb, erect and much branched or along

the ground forming cushions 30 cm to 2 m across and up to 1 m high, stems

arising from a thick woody rootstock, stems hairy or not. BARK: Peeling on old

stems. LEAVES: Long oval, 2–12 cm, tip pointed or not, stiff, shiny above, at

least a few hairs on lower veins, or more, narrowed to a short stalk 3–7

mm, a pair of leafy triangular stipules with a midrib to 1.6 cm long at the

stalk base. FLOWERS: Tubular, white, fragrant, stalkless, solitary, or 3 or

more, in terminal or axillary bunches, the slender corolla tube to 6 cm, densely

covered outside with tiny curved hairs, throat hairy, 4–5 spreading

lobes about 3 cm long, also hairy outside. FRUIT: A rounded berry 1–2 cm

long, maturing orange-yellow-cream, shiny, ribbed, thinly fleshy, edible

but full of dark brown stony seeds.

COLOGY: A plant of Brachystegia woodland, rocky hillsides, riverine thickets, 900–

1,400 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in western, central and eastern areas of Tanzania, e.g. Tabora,

Kigoma, Mwanza, Dodoma, Singida and Kagera Regions. Also in Burundi, the

Congo basin, Zambia and Angola.

SES:

Food:

– Ripe fruits are fleshy and eaten raw as a snack.

– Dried leaves can be used to add flavour to tea.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used for ornamental purposes and fodder.

EASON: Fruits are collected from November to April.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild. Can be propagated by seeds and root suckers.

TATUS: Locally common.

429

THE SPECIES

Leptactina benguelensis Rubiaceae

Shoot showing stipules

Flower

Fruit

430

THE SPECIES

Lippia kituiensis (L. ukambensis) Verbenaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Chagga: Efurie; English: Sedge plant, Wild tea; Hehe: Luhongole;

Iraqw: Ufani; Maasai: Isinon (plural), Olsinoni, Osinoni; Nyamwezi:

Mpugambu; Sambaa: Kaziti-wanda, Mvuti; Swahili: Mvuti; Zigua: Mvuti.

ESCRIPTION: A much-branched aromatic shrub to 3.5 m, stems hairy, often form-

ing pure stands. BARK: On old stems rough with long fissures. LEAVES: Usu-

ally opposite, long oval 2–12 cm long, tip usually blunt, the edges shallow,

finely round toothed, upper surface sandpapery rough, the lower usually

softly hairy, almost stalkless. FLOWERS: Small and white, the tube to 4 mm,

the 5 lobes obscurely 2-lipped (3 and 2), the flower centre yellow, the

crowded flower heads oval to hemispherical on stalks 2–6 cm, up to 3

stalks beside leaves. Bracts at the base of the flower head are twice as

wide as upper bracts. FRUIT: Two dry fruit sections (mericarps) have 1 seed

each, very small but edible, red.

COLOGY: Bushland, woodland, rough grassland, often on volcanic soil or lava rocks.

It is an important part of long-destroyed forest sites where it may be locally

dominant in secondary bush, at the margins of evergreen woodlands, a colonizer

of cultivated or disturbed land, so a problem in rangelands, 400–2,600 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Found for example in Mara, Arusha and Tanga Regions of Tanza-

nia; Kenya and Malawi.

USES:

Food:

– Green leaves are picked, boiled, sugar added and the liquid drunk as a tea.

– Ripe berries are collected and eaten raw as a snack, especially by children

and herdsmen.

Medicinal:

– Leaves are boiled and used as a hot bath for coughs, colds and fever (Maasai,

Sambaa, Zigua). They are also crushed and the vapour inhaled to treat

colds.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used for ornamental purposes and as a mosquito repellent,

and is a source of bee forage. Stems are also used as firewood and for making

arrow shafts and storage pots.

EASON: Fruits are collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not planted but can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Locally common.

431

THE SPECIES

Lippia kituiensis (L. ukambensis) Verbenaceae

Flower head

Large basal bracts

432

THE SPECIES

Lobelia fervens subsp. fervens (L. anceps) Lobeliaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Sambae; Pare: Kisambare; Sambaa: Sambae, Sangari,

Shambae; Swahili: Kinwale, Kisambale, Msambali.

DESCRIPTION: A small annual herb with slender winged stems, rather triangular,

less than 30 cm high. LEAVES: Alternate, simple, well spaced, upper leaves

long and narrow, stalkless, more than twice as long as broad, basal

leaves to 3 cm, minutely toothed. FLOWERS: Small, pale blue on lax terminal

or axillary thread-like stalks, a bract at the base leafy and longer than the

flower stalk, corolla to 1 cm long, 5 petals, 2 narrow upper lobes, 3 wider

lower lobes dark blue spots in the centre, 2 anthers with hairy tips, 2

stigmas, 5 sepal lobes persist, erect or spread around the fruit like stars

(spp. fervens). FRUIT: A dry narrow capsule, wider at the tip, only 6 mm,

breaking open to set free tiny seeds.

COLOGY: Found in damp and disturbed grassland, at forest edges, roadsides, beside

streams, on coastal sand, always in damp places, especially in rice fields where

it may be seen as a carpet of blue flowers, 0–1,800 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania including Zanzibar and Pemba Islands,

but not in the northern and central areas. Also in Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia,

Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoro Islands and Reunion.

SES:

Food:

Tender leaves and stems are collected, chopped and cooked with or without

coconut milk or ghee (Bondei, Sambaa, Pare). The vegetable is then served

with ugali or rice.

Medicinal: Leaves are used as medicine for stomach-ache (Pare).

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used for fodder and ornamental purposes.

EASON: Collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not usually cultivated. It can be

propagated by seeds and cuttings.

STATUS: Locally common.

433

THE SPECIES

Lobelia fervens subsp. fervens (L. anceps) Lobeliaceae

Tiny flowers

Fruit capsule

434

THE SPECIES

Lycium europaeum Solanaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Hehe: Kihomolwa; Maasai: Engokia; Pare: Kokonida.

ESCRIPTION: A spiny shrub 1–3 m, the spines, up to 15 mm long, at the nodes.

LEAVES: Small, rather fleshy to 2.5 cm long, wider at the tip, narrowed to

the base, no hairs. Leaves and flowers often grow out of very short side

shoots. FLOWERS: White at first, becoming cream or pale mauve, small

and solitary or in pairs, the corolla to 16 mm long, tubular with 5 lobes.

FRUIT: Orange-red berries, round, about 5 mm across.

COLOGY: A shrub of dry bushland, bushed grassland, riverine bushland, scattered

tree grassland and in disturbed land near villages, 1–2,100 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Northern, central and eastern parts of Tanzania. Also found in Kenya,

Somalia, Eritrea, Ethiopia and the Arabian peninsular.

USES:

Food:

Green leaves are collected, chopped and cooked alone or with other veg-

etables such as Bidens pilosa or Cleome gynandra and served with ugali or

rice (Hehe).

Medicinal:

– Roots are boiled and used to treat coughs and sores in the mouth.

– Leaves are used as medicine for treatment of constipation and stomach-ache

(Hehe).

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used for hedges, fodder and ornamental purposes.

EASON: Leaves are collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not cultivated or protected by the local people.

It can be propagated by seeds and cuttings.

STATUS: Occasional within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: This plant forms thick clumps and is reputed to harbour snakes and rats

(Hehe).

435

THE SPECIES

Lycium europaeum Solanaceae

Flower

Berry fruit

Bud

Spine

436

THE SPECIES

Maerua decumbens (M. edulis) Capparidaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Gogo: Msakasaka, Muwumbu; Maasai: Olkiage; Sambaa: Luwuga;

Sandawi: Segele.

DESCRIPTION: A much-branched shrub, branches stiff, ascending to 1–3 m, or a

woody herb with a perennial rootstock, often large and swollen. LEAVES:

Alternate, simple, blue-green and slightly fleshy, smooth and hairless,

variable in shape from narrow oval to almost round, the tip often with a small

pointed mucro, leaf 0.8–4 cm long, base usually rounded to a short stalk

only 6 mm, generally 3–5 nerved. FLOWERS: Yellow-green, borne singly in

upper leaf axils, no petals but 3–4 narrow oval sepals about 1 cm long, the

central white stamens to 2.5 cm long, the stalked ovary to 3 cm, recurved

when mature. FRUIT: A globose or ovoid capsule, yellow-orange, 1.5 – 3 cm

long with a pointed beak, containing 1–4 seeds.

COLOGY: Found in hot, dry country in deciduous or semi-evergreen bushland,

bushed grassland, wooded grassland, often near seasonal rivers or lakes,

conspicuous in burnt grassland, regenerating quickly from its woody rootstock,

0–1,800 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in all parts of mainland Tanzania; also occurs in Kenya,

Uganda, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, the Congo basin, south to Gauteng,

north to Somalia, Ethiopia.

SES:

Food:

– The ripe yellow fruits are sweet and eaten fresh. They are mainly eaten by

children herding animals and during periods of famine (Gogo).

– Roots are chewed to quench thirst.

Medicinal:

– Leaves are pounded and the juice drunk to treat allergy.

– Roots and bark are soaked in warm water and the resulting liquid is drunk

for treatment of STDs.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: This evergreen shrub is used for ornamental purposes, hedges and bee

forage. Leaves are used as fish poison and for water purification.

EASON: Fruits collected from January to March.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local people.

TATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: The plant is also known to be toxic.

437

THE SPECIES

Maerua decumbens (M. edulis) Capparidaceae

Fruit capsules

Flower

438

THE SPECIES

Malva parviflora Malvaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Chagga: Mlenda; English: Mallow; Iraqw: Thobi; Maasai:

Olemwadeni; Swahili: Mlenda.

ESCRIPTION: A trailing herb, the stems may be slightly hairy. LEAVES: Very

rounded in outline but with 3–5 lobes, well notched at the base, the edges

with small soft teeth, on a stalk 4–6 cm. FLOWERS: Pink-purple, only 1

cm across, a few together beside leaves, on short stalks, some over 1 cm.

There are 3 free narrow outer sepals and 5 rounded inner sepals with a

small tooth at the tip, joined at the base. FRUIT: A few dry carpels in one-

seeded sections which separate when mature. The carpels are deeply

sculptured.

COLOGY: Found in grasslands, at forest edges, in woodland, on heavily grazed

grassland, sometimes on stony hills, at edges of ponds and lakes and easily

becoming a weed in cultivation, up to 1,500 m; rainfall 1,100–1,500 mm.

Tolerates a wide range of soils, but prefers red sandy loams.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in the northern part of Tanzania, e.g. around Loliondo and

Seronera and in Ngorongoro crater (Arusha Region). Also in Uganda, Kenya,

the Arabian peninsular, Eritrea, Ethiopia; recorded as a weed in South Africa.

SES:

Food:

The leaves are collected, chopped, boiled and added to other dishes to im-

prove their consistency. Served with a staple and eaten in small amounts.

Commercial: Locally marketed.

Other: Ornamental and bee forage.

EASON: Collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Leaves can be dried and stored for up to six months.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local people.

It can be propagated by seed.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: Regarded as a serious weed of farms and gardens, but is also an indicator

of fertile soils. The plant is much liked by rhino. A similar species, M. verticillata

(English: Mallow), is used in the same way as M. parviflora. It is an erect

annual herb up to 1 m high with alternate and palmate leaves. It is widespread

in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. Also found in Rwanda.

439

THE SPECIES

Malva parviflora Malvaceae

Flower

Three outer

sepals

Fruit

Five inner sepals

440

THE SPECIES

Mammea usambarensis Clusiaceae (Guttiferae)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Pare: Ikongwe, Muikongwe; Sambaa: Mbuni.

ESCRIPTION: An attractive forest tree to 24 m with a clear straight bole to a rounded

crown, the girth at base to 6 m. BARK: Brown-grey or red-brown, smooth, later

flaking into fairly thick irregular flakes. LEAVES: Opposite, stalked with

many translucent dots and streaks between the veins, narrow to broadly

oblong, 13–29 cm x 6–9 cm wide, stiff, drying yellow-green, tip usually long-

pointed, base narrowed to a stalk about 1 cm. FLOWERS: Male and female

flowers. Up to 6 male flowers together on 1 cm stalks, buds pale green

and rounded of only 1 sepal which splits into 2 concave parts, 4 white

petals are wide oval about 1 cm long and soon drop leaving a mass of central

stamens with deep yellow anthers (female flowers not seen). FRUIT: Pale green

to yellow, rounded but with a distinct pointed tip and flattened below,

4–6.5 cm long and 3.5–7 cm wide, containing 1–4 large seeds surrounded by

colourless, edible pulp.

COLOGY: Evergreen forest, 1,600–2,100 m, locally dominant.

ISTRIBUTION: Found only in Lushoto District (Tanga Region) and in Pare Moun-

tains in Kilimanjaro Region of Tanzania and not known elsewhere. It has been

recorded from western Shagayu Forest and Magamba Forest in Lushoto Dis-

trict and Shengena Forest Reserve in the Pare Mountains.

SES:

Food:

– Ripe fruits are juicy and eaten raw. They are sweet but also rather acidic.

– Seeds are roasted in hot ash and then eaten, especially by children and

herdsmen (Pare).

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for timber, firewood, building poles, tool handles, spoons

and bedsteads. The bark produces a yellow dye. The tree is used for shade.

EASON: Fruits are collected from November to April.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by the local

people. It can be propagated using fresh seed.

TATUS: Occasional within its area of distribution. Listed in the IUCN Red List of

Threatened Plants.

EMARKS: M. usambarensis often grows with Allanblackia stuhlmannii and Ocotea

usambarensis. A single Mammea tree can produce vast amounts of fruit. It is

endemic in West Usambara and South Pare Mountains. A closely related exotic

species, M. americana, the mammea apple from the West Indies, has been grown

at Amani and in Zanzibar where its fruit is well liked.

441

THE SPECIES

Mammea usambarensis Clusiaceae (Guttiferae)

Section of male flower

Fruit

Male flower with

single sepal split

into two parts

442

THE SPECIES

Manilkara dawei Sapotaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Swahili: Mgambo.

ESCRIPTION: A small- to medium-sized forest tree to 25 m, trunk fluted at the base.

Terminal buds and young shoots have a resinous gum. BARK: Brown and

grooved, exuding white latex when cut. LEAVES: Clustered at the ends of

branches, leathery, to 25 cm, usually widest towards the tip, which is

often notched, dark green above, silver-grey-white below, 18–22 clear

lateral veins each side, stalk to 4 cm. FLOWERS: 2–4 together beside leaves,

dense brown hairy stalks, small white-green flowers, styles over 1 cm. FRUIT:

A rounded berry, white powdery and hairy, flesh containing about 9 seeds.

COLOGY: Found in lowland rainforest and riverine forest, 1,100–1,600 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Only found in Kagera Region of Tanzania, e.g. on Kiao Island in

Lake Victoria and around Bukoba. Also in Uganda, in the eastern Congo basin

and the Central African Republic.

SES:

Food:

The ripe fruits are collected from the tree or from the ground, the pulp eaten

and the seeds rejected. The fruits are eaten in small amounts, especially by

children.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for timber, tool handles, charcoal, firewood, carvings,

poles, bedsteads, gunstocks and spoons. The tree is good for shade.

EASON: Fruits are collected from October to December.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by the local

people. Can be propagated by seed.

STATUS: Easily accessible within its area of distribution.

443

THE SPECIES

Manilkara dawei Sapotaceae

Flowers beside leaves

444

THE SPECIES

Manilkara discolor Sapotaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Forest milkberry; Kimbu: Mugambo; Ngindo:

Mkwichimbe; Sambaa: Mgambo, Mghambo, Mugambo; Swahili: Mgambo.

DESCRIPTION: An evergreen leafy forest tree, usually 6–25 m, with a smooth straight

trunk, much-branched to a dense rounded crown, exuding white latex. Young

parts covered with fine cinnamon-brown hairs. BARK: Dark grey-brown

with age deeply grooved, later flaking in patches, twigs often knobbly, dark

grey-black. LEAVES: Alternate, simple, often terminal on branches (but not

whorled) broad oval, about 4–10 cm long, dark green above, silver grey

below due to a dense covering of minute, regularly arranged fine hairs

(“discolor”), tip somewhat lengthened but rounded or notched, base narrowed

to a grooved stalk about 1 cm, often with brown hairs like the midrib below, side

veins clearly parallel and a fine network between them clear above, only

slightly raised. FLOWERS: 4–6 together on reddish stalks about 1 cm,

beside leaves, fragrant, creamy yellow, the 5 petals with divided lobes,

surrounded by 2 whorls of reflexed sepals, 3 plus 3 with rusty hairs

outside, many stamens in the centre. FRUIT: Fleshy berries, oval, to 1.3 cm,

yellow turning red, tipped by the old style, containing a tasty juicy pulp enclosing

an oval flattened pale-coloured seed.

COLOGY: Lowland and upland dry evergreen forest and well-drained sites in upland

rainforest, 0–2,100 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania. Found, for example, in Tanga, Iringa,

Mbeya, Mtwara and Rukwa Regions of Tanzania. Also found in Kenya and

south to Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe into KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa.

SES:

Food:

Ripe fruits are fleshy and eaten raw. Seeds are discarded. They are very

tasty and eaten as a snack, especially by children, herdsmen and forest work-

ers.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is hard and used for poles, fuelwood, tool handles, carvings

and spoons. The tree is good for shade, as an ornamental and for bee forage.

EASON: Fruits are collected from July to November.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by the local

people. It can be propagated by seed.

STATUS: Occasional within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: Fruits of this species have been reported as being the “best of all wild

fruits” (Popenoe 1920).

445

THE SPECIES

Manilkara discolor Sapotaceae

Fruit

Seed

Flower head

Flower

Flower opened out

Branch

446

THE SPECIES

Manilkara mochisia Sapotaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Milk berry; Gogo: Mkonze; Haya: Mkunya; Matengo:

Mkwachu; Ngindo: Msama; Nyamwezi: Mkonze; Sukuma: Mkonze, Mukonje;

Swahili: Mnago, Msapa, Mtalawanda; Yao: Mkwachu.

ESCRIPTION: A large shrub or, more usually, a small- to medium-sized tree 3–20

m, with low branching and a spreading crown. BARK: Brown-grey-black with

deep longitudinal grooves. LEAVES: In characteristic tight terminal rosettes

growing from short side shoots, stalks about 1 cm, blade stiff and shiny,

wider at the tip, 2–6 cm long, tip rounded or notched, young leaves hairy

below, 10–14 pairs of lateral nerves. FLOWERS: In leaf axils, on stalks 6–13

mm, densely clustered, cream-yellow, sepals in two series of 3, petals with

many narrow segments. FRUIT: Yellow, rounded to 1.8 cm long, containing

a tasty red soft pulp around 1–3 dark brown flattened seeds.

COLOGY: Found in deciduous bushland and thickets, dry scrub with trees, wooded

grassland, also on black-cotton soil, 0–2,100 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in most parts of mainland Tanzania, north to Kenya, Somalia,

south through Mozambique to Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, KwaZulu-Natal,

Botswana and Angola.

SES:

Food:

Ripe fruits are collected from the ground or picked from the tree and eaten

raw as a snack. The sweet juicy pulp is eaten and the hard seeds are dis-

carded.

Medicinal: The stem bark is used as medicine to treat mastitis. The bark is

dried, pounded and powder mixed with groundnut or simsim oil and smeared

on the swollen breasts of a woman who is suffering from the disease. A simi-

lar treatment can be used to treat udder inflammation in cattle.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is hard and heavy, used for furniture, carvings, tool handles,

spoons, poles, firewood and charcoal. The tree provides good shade and bee

forage.

EASON: Ripe fruits are collected between April and June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Usually collected from the wild, not cultivated or protected by the

local people, but can easily be propagated by seedlings.

STATUS: Very scattered within its area of distribution.

447

THE SPECIES

Manilkara mochisia Sapotaceae

Flowering and fruiting

branch

Fruits

One flower

448

THE SPECIES

Manilkara obovata Sapotaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Gogo: Mmumbulu, Mumbulu; Haya: Mkunya, Mukuaya;

Nyamwezi: Mmenge, Mumenge; Swahili: Mgama, Mgambo.

DESCRIPTION: A tall evergreen tree to 35 m with a long clear bole, slightly fluted

and sometimes buttressed at the base. BARK: Pale grey turning dark brown-

grey, fissured and rough with age, young branchlets purple-brown dotted with

paler breathing pores, older branches with conspicuous leaf scars often raised

like pegs, when cut bright red as well as white latex. LEAVES: Alternate,

clustered at the ends of branches (but not in tight rosettes), on stalks to 1.5 cm,

oval, wider at the tip, which is rounded or notched, 3–10 cm long, generally

stiff, upper surface bright green, paler below, numerous side veins raised, hair

like, curving to tip. FLOWERS: Small and white, bunched in the axils of

older or fallen leaves, on brown hairy stalks 4–10 mm, 2 sets of 3 x 3 calyx

lobes, brown hairy outside, 6 narrow petals, each 3-lobed, only 5 mm. FRUIT:

Ovoid to rounded to 2.5 cm, yellow when ripe and edible.

COLOGY: Rainforest, riverine forest, swamp, 1,100–1,300 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in Kagera (swamp forests of the south-west shores of Lake

Victoria), Tanga, Tabora and Dodoma Regions of Tanzania. Also in Uganda,

from Sierra Leone across west Africa into Gabon, Congo, Zambia and Angola.

SES:

Food:

– Ripe fruits are usually picked from the tree and eaten raw as a snack. Ma-

ture fruits can be collected and kept in the shade for about two days to ripen.

– Fruits can be dried, stored and eaten later.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is hard and durable and used for timber, building poles, tool

handles and carvings.

EASON: Ripe fruits are collected from March to June.

TORAGE: Dried fruits can be stored for several weeks.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not planted or protected by the local people.

The species can be propagated by seedlings.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: A suitable tree for planting on stream and river banks and in swampy

areas.

449

THE SPECIES

Manilkara obovata Sapotaceae

Fruiting twig

Flowering twig

450

THE SPECIES

Manilkara sansibarensis Sapotaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Digo: Mung’ambo; Haya: Mkunya; Swahili: Mcheji, Mgambo,

Mguvi, Mshonzi, Mti chuma; Zaramo: Mtunda.

DESCRIPTION: A medium-sized tree with a bushy crown, to 25 m. BARK: Rough

grey-brown-black, producing white latex when cut. LEAVES: Simple, oblong

to 14 cm, tip rounded or notched, very stiff, on stalks to 3 cm, dull green,

at the end of twigs, side veins closely parallel. FLOWERS: Very small, green-

white,4–12 in leaf axils, flower stalks and outer calyx very hairy, flowers

fragrant. FRUIT: Tough round or oval berries, to 1.3 cm, containing 1–4

shiny flat seeds.

COLOGY: Lowland rainforest and lowland dry evergreen forest, also in evergreen

woodland and coastal bushlands, 0–300 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in Tanga Region and other coastal areas, and on Zanzibar

and Pemba Islands; e.g. in Pugu and Kurekese Forest Reserves and around

Ruvu (Pwani Region). Also found in coastal Kenya and Mozambique.

SES:

Food:

Ripe fruits are edible. Fruits are collected from the ground or picked from the

tree and eaten raw as a snack. The sweet pulp is swallowed and seeds are

discarded.

Medicinal:

– The bark is used to treat pneumonia.

– Roots are used to treat STDs and constipation.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for timber, handles and domestic utensils.

EASON: Seeds are collected from September to December.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not cultivated or protected by the local people.

However, it can be propagated by seed.

STATUS: Scattered within its area of distribution.

451

THE SPECIES

Manilkara sansibarensis Sapotaceae

Flower

Berry fruits

452

THE SPECIES

Manilkara sulcata Sapotaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Digo: Msezi, Mzezi, Nzezi; Sambaa: Mduyuyu; Swahili: Mchambigi,

Mcheji, Mcheji dume, Mteweji; Mwera: Msofu; Ngindo: Muhamba; Zaramo:

Mcheju; Zigua: Msezi, Msezi-mbago.

ESCRIPTION: An evergreen shrub or small much-branched tree usually 3–6 m.

BARK: Grey, only slight longitudinal grooves. LEAVES: Small, dark shiny

green above, paler below, clustered at branch tips, oval and wider at the tip,

which is notched or rounded, 2.5–8 cm long, only young shoots, buds and

flower stalks are covered with dense rusty hairs. FLOWERS: Cream,

yellow-green, in groups of 2–6 beside leaves, each flower to 5 mm long

with pale green divided petal lobes surrounded by 2 rows of sepals. FRUIT:

Long oval, pale green–yellow to 1.3 cm long, without hairs, tipped by the

old style, containing one seed in sweet edible pulp.

COLOGY: Lowland dry evergreen forest (Cynometra), coastal forests and bushland,

Brachystegia woodland, mainly on sandy soils in coastal areas, 0–1,000 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Only known from the coastal regions of north-eastern Tanzania,

extending also into Kenya and the adjacent regions inland.

USES:

Food:

The fruit pulp is sweet and eaten raw as a snack. The seeds are discarded.

Medicinal:

– Roots are used for treatment of snakebite.

– Leaves are crushed and rubbed on the skin to treat rashes in children.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is very hard and heavy and is used for building poles, fire-

wood, charcoal, tool handles, domestic utensils and animal traps. The tree is

used for shade.

EASON: Fruits are collected from August to December.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Fruits are collected from the wild. The tree is not cultivated or protected

by the local people. Can be propagated using seeds.

STATUS: Locally common.

453

THE SPECIES

Manilkara sulcata Sapotaceae

Fruit

Flowers

454

THE SPECIES

Maranthes goetzeniana Chrysobalanaceae

(Parinari goetzeniana)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Sambaa: Banko, Fuzu, Ng’anga.

ESCRIPTION: A very large, evergreen tree 25–50 m, with a spreading rounded

crown. BARK: Grey or red-brown, smooth but finely ridged when older.

LEAVES: Alternate, simple, generally oval, 7–15 cm long, shiny above and

dull below, with a conspicuous narrowed apex drawn out into a “drip-

tip”, base wide or rounded into a short stalk, 8–10 side veins, edge somewhat

wavy. FLOWERS: Pale green-cream-white, each 1–2 cm in diameter, growing

in a wide flat-topped head, greyish to 12 cm across and 8 cm deep, young

parts covered with thick soft green-grey-brown hairs, the wide calyx

tube with 5 lobes, 5 rounded petals and many stamens hang well beyond the

petals, long yellow hairs cover the ovary. FRUIT: Black and fleshy, oval, to

3 cm long, with edible flesh.

COLOGY: Evergreen rainforest, about 900 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in the East Usambara Mountains and recorded around

Morogoro but also in wet evergreen forest in South Africa.

USES:

Food:

Fruits are collected from the ground and the pulp is eaten. The hard stones

are broken and the kernel eaten, especially by children during times of food

scarcity.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is very hard and is used for sleepers, firewood, charcoal, build-

ing poles, tool handles and yokes. The tree is used for shade and bee forage.

The bark produces a red dye.

EASON: Fruits are collected from September to December.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by the local

people. The species can be propagated by seed.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: In Tanzania, this tree is only known to occur in the East Usambara

Mountains and Uzugwa in Morogoro Region.

455

THE SPECIES

Maranthes goetzeniana Chrysobalanaceae

“Drip tip” of leaf

Fruit

Flowers

456

THE SPECIES

Mimusops kummel Sapotaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Mgama, Mgambo; Gogo: Mugama; Kaguru: Mugama;

Hehe: Mugama; Iraqw: Hiiti; Maasai: Olkirenyi; Sambaa: Mgama, Mgambo;

Swahili: Mgama, Mgambo; Tongwe: Mlonje; Zigua: Mgama, Mgambo.

ESCRIPTION: An evergreen tree which can reach 35 m and have a trunk diameter

of more than 1 m, the crown leafy and oval. BARK: Dark grey, rough and

deeply grooved, branchlets covered with red-brown hairs. LEAVES: Oval

to 10 cm, the tip blunt, the midrib below hairy and also the leaf stalk, to 15

mm. FLOWERS: Fragrant, cream-white, 1–4 in leaf axils, on stalks to 2–5 cm.

Flower parts in fours, rather flat, star shaped, stalks and outer calyx with

brown hairs, central ovary with silky pale hairs. FRUIT: A drupe to 2 cm,

pointed and orange-yellow, contains one red-brown seed.

COLOGY: Widespread in riverine forest and other vegetation beside streams, often

scattered as small trees, even in upland dry evergreen forests, in wooded

grasslands and on rocky hills in dry areas, 500–2,100 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in most parts of Tanzania; Uganda, Kenya, Eritrea, Ethiopia,

Sudan, across the southern Sahara into West Africa.

USES:

Food:

– The fleshy ripe fruit pulp is sweet and eaten raw as a snack. Ripe fruits are

collected from the ground or picked from the tree.

– Ripe fruits are dried in the sun, pounded, and the powder used for making

juice or the local brew.

Medicinal: The bark is used as medicine for anaemia, asthma and malaria

(Zigua).

Commercial: Sold in local markets.

Other: The wood is used for timber, carvings, tool handles and beehives. The

tree gives good shade.

EASON: Ripe fruits are available from October to December.

TORAGE: Dried fruits can be stored for several months.

ANAGEMENT: Usually collected from the wild but can be propagated from seeds.

TATUS: Occasional within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: An important fruit tree which should be domesticated and bred.

457

THE SPECIES

Mimusops kummel Sapotaceae

Fruit

Flowering shoot

Pistil

458

THE SPECIES

Mimusops obtusifolia (M. fruticosa) Sapotaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Mgambo; English: Round-fruited red milkwood; Sambaa:

Mgama, Mgambo; Swahili: Mgambo kapu, Mnguvi; Zaramo: Mgama.

DESCRIPTION: An evergreen shrub close to the sea shore but usually a much-branched

spreading tree up to 20 m. BARK: Grey, rough well grooved, young branches

with brown hairs, soon lost. LEAVES: Long oval, 3.5–8 cm, wider towards

the tip, stiff, upper surface a dark shiny green, lower dull green, tip rounded,

base narrowed to a stalk about 1 cm, fine vein network raised, side veins curving

towards tip. FLOWERS: Star like, white-cream petals in 2 whorls, on

curved stalks, hairy brown, 1–2.5 cm long, 1–6 stalks, from leaf axils, each

flower to 11 mm across surrounded by 4 + 4 brown hairy sepals, of two sizes;

8 petals to 8.5 mm, divided into 3 narrow lobes, from a tube only 2.5 mm,

some petal-like stamens, hairy outside, 8 altogether (see illustration). FRUIT:

A round berry, orange-red, to 2.5 cm diameter, the skin tough, containing

1–5 dark shiny seeds in edible flesh.

COLOGY: Lowland dry evergreen forest, riverine forest and coastal evergreen

thicket, 0–800 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in

the coastal areas of

Tanzania from

Tanga to Ruvuma

River, including

Zanzibar and

Pemba. Also in

coastal Kenya,

Mozambique,

Zimbabwe, Comoro

Islands, Madagascar

and South Africa.

4 stamens

Three-lobed petals

and the 8 stamens

Fruit

Flowers

4 staminodes

Buds

459

THE SPECIES

USES:

Food: Ripe fleshy fruit are sweet; eaten raw

as a snack and seeds discarded.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is hard and heavy and used for fuelwood, poles, tool handles,

spoons, dhow building, carvings, gunstocks, bedsteads and clogs. The tree pro-

vides good shade and bee forage.

EASON: Fruits are collected from November to January.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not cultivated; easily propagated from seed.

TATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: Several other Mimusops species are edible:

1. M. bagshawei (Bondei, Sambaa, Zigua: Mgambo; Haya: Msali; Luo: Olalwait;

Maasai: Leliat; Swahili, Mgama, Mgambo): a tree up to 40 m with large

spreading crown and fluted stem. BARK: Thick, dark brown. LEAVES: Stiff,

often wider at the tip, clustered at ends of branchlets, 7–12 cm long, shiny dark

green above, pale, dull below. FLOWERS: Green-yellow-cream, fragrant, small.

FRUIT: Orange-yellow berry, 3 x 2 cm, egg shaped, tip pointed, with 1–3 brown

seeds. Found only in Kagera Region, e.g. Minziro Forest in Bukoba District in

rainforest, 1,100–2,400 m. Also Kenya, Uganda and southern Sudan.

Mimusops obtusifolia (contd) Sapotaceae

M. bagshawei

2. M. somaliensis (M.

schliebenii) (Bondei,

Sambaa, Swahili:

Mgama; Sambaa:

Mgambo): a tree up to

20 m. LEAVES: Large,

stiff, 4.5–11 cm x 2–5

cm wide, smooth

above, hairy below.

FLOWERS: Cream, in

clusters between

leaves. FRUIT: Yellow

when ripe, to 1.7 cm

across. Coastal

woodland, 150–300 m,

in Tanga, Lindi and

Mtwara Regions; also

coastal Kenya.

Fruit

Flower

460

THE SPECIES

Mollugo cerviana Aizoaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Hehe: Ilolompya, Kibogaboga.

ESCRIPTION: An attractive annual herb, very small, with many slender, stiff

upright stems 4–17 cm long. LEAVES: Narrow and stalkless, arising in whorls

on the stem, some in a rosette at the base, grey-green, flat, 2–26 mm long,

3 mm or less wide, the rosette of leaves to 18 mm, often dying quickly. FLOWERS:

In short heads with 1–4 greenish flowers (stalked only in var. spathulifolia),

no petals but 5 tiny sepals, each flower only 2 mm long. FRUIT: A capsule with

tiny brown seeds.

COLOGY: A weed of roadsides, cultivation, waste places, bare ground and dry river

beds; two varieties have a different geographic and altitude range: var. cerviana

400–1,700 m; var. spathulifolia, 0–800 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in the tropics and subtropics of Africa and Asia, including

Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.

SES:

Food:

Leaves are used as a vegetable. Tender leaves are collected, sorted, chopped

and cooked. Coconut milk or groundnut paste may be added and then the

vegetable served with ugali or rice.

Medicinal: Leaves are used as medicine for stomach-ache and constipation.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used for fodder and is suitable for ornamental purposes.

EASON: Collected during the rainy season, i.e. January to April.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by the local

people. However, it can be propagated by seeds and cuttings.

STATUS: Locally common.

EMARKS: Regarded as a troublesome weed in areas where it occurs.

461

THE SPECIES

Mollugo cerviana Aizoaceae

Flower head

One enlarged seedFlowering and fruiting shoot

Flower with 5 sepals

462

THE SPECIES

Momordica foetida Cucurbitaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Chagga: Mokiki; Gogo: Kisalasala; Gorowa: Oroondi; Hehe:

Nyasalasala; Iraqw: Oroondi; Kimbu: Kasasalya; Nyamwezi: Kasasalya;

Pare: Ikungulanyoka; Sambaa: Lushwe.

ESCRIPTION: A hairy climber or creeping herb from a stout perennial rootstock,

with simple or forked tendrils opposite the leaves. Young stems spotted dark

green. The plant has a strong unpleasant smell. LEAVES: Heart shaped,

alternate, often unlobed, 8–12 cm across, the edge with small widely spaced

teeth, deeply notched, to a stalk about 2 cm. FLOWERS: Sexes on separate

plants. Female flowers single, on long axillary stalks, with 5 pale yellow

petals, to 5 cm diameter, the centre black (ovary hairy), 4–8 male flowers

grouped together in a broad bract on a long stalk, 5 oblong sepals, 5

spreading petals. FRUIT: Easily recognized, pale yellow to brilliant orange,

to 6.5 cm long, covered with soft orange bristles, narrowed to a beak at

the tip, and at the base to a stalk over 2.5 cm long. The fruit bursts when ripe to

expose flat seeds in a red pulp.

COLOGY: Forest edges and clearings, margins of swamp and riverine forest and at

edges of thickets, also a weed in farmland and a colonizer of disturbed ground,

up to 2,400 m; rainfall 1,100–2,100 mm. Tolerates a wide range of soil types.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in tropical Africa from Guinea and Cameroon south to

southern Africa. This species is common in all parts of Tanzania, including on

Zanzibar. Also in Kenya and Uganda.

SES:

Food:

Leaves are collected, chopped, boiled and eaten with beans or peas together

with a staple. It is eaten in small amounts as a famine food and in emer-

gency situations. The leaves have a bad smell and a bitter taste.

Medicinal:

– Leaves are crushed and the liquid applied into the ears to treat earache.

– Roots are used to treat intestinal worms and constipation.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used for fodder.

EASON: Collected in the dry season

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by local people.

Can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: A troublesome weed of gardens and farms.

463

THE SPECIES

Momordica foetida Cucurbitaceae

Fruit

Simple tendrils

Female flower

464

THE SPECIES

Momordica rostrata Cucurbitaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Hehe: Litambalanzoka; Maasai: Enkamposhi, Olamposhi;

Nyamwezi: Lyungu-lya-nzoka; Sambaa: Kunguiva; Sandawi: /.Umphá;

Sukuma: Lyungu-lya-nzoka; Swahili: Tunda nyoka.

ESCRIPTION: A climbing or trailing plant from a fleshy rootstock often seen

protruding above the soil surface, grey-green. Young green stems are weak

and thin but become woody and white with age, simple tendrils grow opposite

the alternate leaves. LEAVES: Compound, 5–9 leaflets, the first 3 divide

again giving up to 3 groups of 3, each one oval to rounded, the edge wavy

toothed, rounded at the tip. FLOWERS: Separate male and female plants;

flowers orange with a brown base, about 2 cm across, female flowers solitary,

almost stalkless, numerous male flowers with 5 free petals, the 5 anthers

contorted and folded and in 3 groups. FRUIT: Ovoid to egg shaped, stalk

less than 1.5 cm, bright orange-red when ripe, 3–7 cm long, up to 4 cm

across, beaked at the tip, with 8 ridges (or almost smooth), containing flat brown-

black seeds in yellow edible pulp. Seeds have a thick sculptured covering.

COLOGY: Common in dry woodland and rocky places in open grassland (Acacia–

Commiphora), deciduous bushland, thicket, wooded grassland, 0–1,700 m.

DISTRIBUTION: In Tanzania this species is found in Kagera, Mwanza, Shinyanga,

Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Tanga, Dodoma and Singida Regions. It is also found in

Kenya, Uganda and southern Ethiopia.

SES:

Food:

– Ripe fruit are edible. They are cut in half and the juicy pulp eaten raw. It is

sweet and much liked by children.

– Tender leaves are collected and cooked alone or with other vegetables such

as amaranth and peas. Coconut milk or pounded groundnuts may be added

and the dish is then eaten with ugali or rice.

– The fruits are boiled and eaten.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used for fodder and ornamental purposes. A powder ob-

tained from peeled, dried and crushed roots can be used for preservation of

cereals. The powder can also kill stalkborers.

EASON: Rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not planted or protected by the local

people. Can be propagated by seed.

STATUS: Only scattered within its area of distribution.

465

THE SPECIES

Momordica rostrata Cucurbitaceae

Tendril

Swollen rootstock

Female flower

466

THE SPECIES

Monanthotaxis poggei Annonaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Ha: Bulyankende; Tongwe: Lujongololo.

ESCRIPTION: A climbing shrub or liane, 1–6 m, young stems covered with rusty

hairs. LEAVES: Long oval, 8–16 cm, usually with long pointed tips, base

wide to a very small channelled stalk, with rusty hairs, the thin blade green

above but densely covered below with silky silver-brown hairs, clear

nerves with rusty hairs. FLOWERS: Solitary or 2–4 flowers beside or above

leaves on short hairy stalks, narrow hairy bracts about 1 cm long, 2–3 tiny

hairy sepals surround the flowers, which usually have 6 white-yellow fleshy

petals in one whorl, rusty hairs outside. FRUIT: 6–8 fruits, 1–2 cm long on

a stalk about 1 cm, each fruit usually one-seeded, covered with rusty hairs.

COLOGY: Evergreen forest and riverine forest, 700–1,100 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Found only in western Tanzania, e.g. in Gombe Stream National

Park and Mahale Mountain National Park in Kigoma Region. Also in the Congo

basin and in Angola.

SES:

Food:

Fruits are edible. The pulp of ripe fruits is sweet and eaten fresh as a snack.

Medicinal: Roots are used as medicine for stomach-ache and an antidote for

snakebite.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for firewood, storage pots and withies. The tree is used

for ornamental purposes because of its sweet-scented flowers and as a source

of bee forage.

EASON: Ripe fruits are collected from April to May.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by the local

people. It can be propagated using fresh seed.

STATUS: In Tanzania, this species is only found in Kigoma Region.

EMARKS: Fruits are also eaten by chimpanzees.

467

THE SPECIES

Monanthotaxis poggei Annonaceae

Fruiting branch

Flowers

468

THE SPECIES

Multidentia crassa (Canthium crassum) Rubiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Muwewe; Bende: Mugogolo; Hehe: Mbwewe, Muwewe;

Matengo: Mandikiti; Ndendelule: Mandikiti; Nyamwezi: Mkukumba,

Mukukumba, Muyogoyogo; Nyakyusa: Ingulungulu; Rangi: Musede;

Sandawi: Nam; Tongwe: Lungogolo; Zinza: Munyabitwa.

ESCRIPTION: A deciduous shrub or small tree to 6 m. BARK: Grey-black, rough,

thick and fire resistant, peeling off the main trunk to expose a reddish

underbark; if cut, much whitish sap. Young shoots stout, the corky bark powdery

grey-white-yellow. LEAVES: Rather large, in opposite pairs and more than

one pair found at the tips of branches—conspicuous on bare trees. Leaves

fleshy, becoming stiff or papery, 3–27 cm long x 2–15 cm wide, tip usually

blunt, smooth above, paler and hairy below with a clear vein network,

on a stalk to 2.5 cm, persistent long-pointed stipules to 1 cm. FLOWERS: Yellow-

green, in dense bunches in leaf axils, on stalks to 5 cm, all parts hairy,

even woolly, each flower with 5 fleshy petals only 6 mm long, the calyx tubular

with 5 equal lobes (contrast Canthium). FRUIT: Green mottled brown, yellow,

dull red or brown spotted with white, round but flattened to 4 cm wide with

2 lobes, fleshy and edible.

COLOGY: Found in woodland, thicket and grassland, particularly on burnt hillsides

and rocky places, 900–2,100 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in most parts of dryland Tanzania excluding coastal areas.

Also found in north-west Uganda, Burundi, the Congo basin, Sudan, Central

African Republic, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Angola.

SES:

Food:

Fruits are edible. Ripe fruits are fleshy, sweet and eaten raw. They are eaten

as a snack and are generally well liked.

Medicinal:

– Leaves are pounded, soaked in water and the juice applied into the ears to

treat earache.

– Roots are used as medicine for earache, stomach-ache and intestinal worms.

Commercial: Sold in local markets.

Other: The wood is used for firewood, charcoal and spoons. The tree is used for

ornamental purposes and bee forage.

EASON: Ripe fruits are collected from April to June.

TORAGE: Ripe fruits are collected, dried and stored for several weeks.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by the local

people. It can be propagated using seeds.

469

THE SPECIES

STATUS: Locally common.

EMARKS: Several other Multidentia species have edible fruits, including the

following two:

1. M. fanshawei (Hehe: Mdegege, Msadasada; Sambaa: Mkulukwa) a shrub 1–

3 m tall found in Iringa and Mbeya Regions;

2. M. sclerocarpa (Sambaa: Kiviruviru, Ntuavuka) a shrub or small tree up 13 m

tall which is found only in Tanga Region.

Multidentia crassa (contd) Rubiaceae

Flowers

Branch with fruits

M. crassa

470

THE SPECIES

Myrianthus arboreus Cecropiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Mkonde; Ha: Umufe; Hehe: Mfutsa; Luguru: Mdewerere,

Mfuza, Mkwayaga, Mlowelowe; Matengo: Mhunsa; Nyiha: Liwisa; Sambaa:

Mkonde; Tongwe: Isakama; Zigua: Mkonde.

ESCRIPTION: This rainforest tree is easily recognized by its huge leaves and its

fruit. A large shrub to medium-sized under-storey tree, about 10 m (to 20 m),

the short trunk divided into several steeply ascending thick branches to an

untidy spreading crown. It is one of the few Tanzanian trees to have thick

stilt roots to 60 cm long. BARK: Smooth, thin and brown, watery sap below.

LEAVES: Alternate, usually 5–7 leathery leaflets, the whole blade 30–90

cm across on a stalk to 50 cm long. Each leaflet oval, wider at the tip,

edges sharply toothed, the central leaflets about 25 cm long x 9 cm wide, but

the outer leaflets half that size, the lower surface hairy, white between

many raised brown veins. Leaves red when young. FLOWERS: Separate male

and female flowers, usually paired heads beside leaves; male stalk much divided,

about 15 cm long, the terminal branches densely covered with tiny flowers,

each with 2–4 stamens, dark yellow; round female flower heads with 20–50

tiny flowers, yellow, about 3 cm across, shortly stalked. FRUIT: Compound,

bright yellow when ripe, 6–10 cm across, on a stalk to 6 cm, oval to

round (variable depending on how many flowers were fertilized), each section

about 2.5 cm and 5-sided, a tough sandpapery skin, soft pulp inside, a thin

layer of sweet gelatinous flesh around one hard oval light brown seed.

COLOGY: Rain or swamp forest, in clearings and regrowth, riverine or lakesides,

700–1,200 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania, e.g. in Kigoma, Rukwa, Morogoro, Arusha,

Songea and Tanga Regions. Also in Uganda, extending to southern Ethiopia

and southern Sudan, the Congo basin, northern Angola and west to Guinea.

SES:

Food:

Yellow, ripe fruits are collected from the forest and eaten as a snack. The

fruit is sweet, with a flavour like Annona. A well-known fruit eaten in many

parts of Tanzania.

Medicinal:

– Leaves are used as medicine for improving lactation in women. The leaves

are pounded, boiled and the liquid drunk three times a day.

– Roots are boiled and the liquid gargled to treat sore throat.

Other: The wood is light and used for firewood, wooden pots and spoons. Fruits

are used as fodder for pigs. The tree is important for shade, soil enrichment

(leaves) and bee forage.

471

THE SPECIES

SEASON: Collected in the early dry season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated but usually protected while

clearing land for farming. Can be propagated using fresh seed.

TATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: This tree has been grown from seed in Kilolo (Hima nursery), Iringa

Region, and produced fruit in 4–5 years.

Myrianthus arboreus (contd) Cecropiaceae

Mature fruit section

ready to eat

Tip of mature

leaflet to show

actual size

Compound fruits cut

across to show many

sections

Young leaf

Male flowers

472

THE SPECIES

Myrianthus holstii Cecropiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Giant yellow mulberry; Hehe: Mftsa, Mfutsa, Mkwaliti,

Mufutsa, Mvalambi; Kaguru: Mfuza; Kinga: Mabagala; Luguru: Mdewerere,

Mkwayaga, Mlowelowe; Matengo: Mahusa, Muhusa; Nguru: Mkonde;

Nyakyusa: Mskisya, Msuisya, Mswiza; Nyiha: Liwisa; Sambaa: Mkonde,

Mkonde dume; Tongwe: Isakama; Wanji: Libangala; Zigua: Mkonde.

ESCRIPTION: A medium-sized tree to 1–20 m with a short trunk and large branches,

often with stilt roots to 60 cm high. BARK: Grey-brown, much watery sap inside

which turns black in the air. LEAVES: Distinctive, very large, 25–60 cm

across and compound palmate with 5–7 leaflets, the largest central leaflets

20–30 cm long, outer leaflets smaller, edge saw toothed, upper surface smooth

dark green, lower side grey-green, hairy, with conspicuous veins, on a brown

hairy stalk 7–35 cm long. FLOWERS: Sexes separate: male flowers on thick

branched heads 4–15 cm across, 6 cm long, densely covered with tiny green

flowers with orange anthers; female flowers 20–40 on a stalked head,

yellow, 2 cm diameter. FRUIT: Round and yellow, 4 cm across, with

hard sections, each conical and pointed (resembling a small pineapple).

Each seed in a section surrounded by acid edible pulp.

COLOGY: Rainforest, montane forests, sometimes at edges or in regrowth and along

rivers, 900–2,100 m.

ISTRIBUTION: In Tanzania it is found in Tanga, eastern and the Southern High-

lands. Also in Uganda, Kenya, parts of Central Africa, and south to Mozam-

bique, Malawi, northern Zambia and eastern Zimbabwe.

SES:

Food:

Fresh fruits are collected from the tree and eaten as a snack.

Other: The wood is white, soft and used for firewood, torches and cups.

EASON: Collected from February to June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local people.

Can be propagated by fresh seeds, coppices and root suckers.

TATUS: Generally scattered within its area of distribution.

473

THE SPECIES

Myrianthus holstii Cecropiaceae

Compound fruit from

female plant

Female flower heads

474

THE SPECIES

Myrsine africana Myrsinaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Barabaig: Segedid; Bondei: Zuma; English: Cape myrtle; Gorowa:

Mahheli; Maasai: Olsegetit; Matengo: Kanakalayi.

DESCRIPTION: An evergreen perennial undershrub or small tree, 1–5 m, often much

branched; branches grey-brown-purple and finely grooved, new shoots densely

hairy. BARK: Red-brown, rough. LEAVES: Alternate, simple and small, 0.5–2

cm long, rather crowded on branchlets, leathery, shiny green above,

almost stalkless, variable in shape, the edge usually with tiny sharp teeth,

often confined to the upper leaf, tip narrowed, often notched, base narrowed.

FLOWERS: Small (3 mm), male and female or both, in axillary clusters among

newly grown leaves, green-white to pink-crimson, rather large purple anthers

hang out beyond the 4 petals, calyx with glands. FRUIT: Round berries,

5 mm diameter, pink-purple when ripe, thinly fleshy, containing one

seed.

COLOGY: Upland forest edges, open wooded grassland, stony hillsides in grassland

and pasture, sometimes riverine on sandy soil, volcanic soil or lava, 1,200–

3,600 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in the northern, central and southern highland areas of

Tanzania (not in Uluguru Mountains). Also found in Kenya, Uganda, and in

other mountains of eastern Africa from Ethiopia and Socotra to Zambia, Angola,

South Africa; also the Azores, the Arabian peninsular eastwards to China, and

in Europe cultivated from seed as an ornamental shrub.

SES:

Food:

Ripe fleshy fruits are picked and eaten fresh (Lwanji, Kinga).

Medicinal: Fruits are used for treatment of intestinal worms, chest pains and

general stomach problems. Fruits are dried, pounded, and the powder is

soaked in water. The liquid is then drunk three times a day.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is hard and used for firewood and withies. The plant is used

for ornamental purposes.

EASON: The fruits are collected from June to December.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local people,

but can be propagated from seed.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: A suitable species for hedges and as an ornamental in highland areas.

475

THE SPECIES

Myrsine africana Myrsinaceae

Male flower

Flowering branch

Female flower

Fruit in section

Part of female

flowering branch

476

THE SPECIES

Nicandra physaloides Solanaceae

Central America, Peru

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Kibwabwa; Hehe: Nyasongwe; Sambaa: Kibwabwa,

Mnavu-zinge.

DESCRIPTION: An erect annual herb, usually 1.5 m, with stout branched stems,

angled and grooved. LEAVES: Alternate, simple, rather large and oval, wider

at the base, bright green, to 12 cm long x 7 cm across, the edge irregularly

and deeply toothed, abruptly narrowed at the base to a stalk about 3

cm. FLOWERS: Solitary in leaf axils, almost hidden within a characteristic

green calyx, the 5 winged sepals heart shaped with 2 curved pointed lobes at

the base, the corolla pale blue or mauve, white within, funnel shaped

with 5 round short lobes, to 4 cm across. FRUIT: A round yellow berry

held within the persistent inflated calyx, brown and membranous, the

berry containing numerous small brown seeds, each sepal now 3 cm x 2 cm.

COLOGY: A weed of croplands, wastelands, gardens, sometimes a dominant weed

in maize, 100–2,000 m.

DISTRIBUTION: A weed originating from Central America and Peru, now cosmopolitan

and found in various parts of Africa; Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe and South

Africa. Widespread in Tanzania.

SES:

Food:

Leaves are used as a vegetable. Tender leaves are collected, chopped, washed

and cooked alone or with other vegetables such as amaranth or cowpeas.

Then coconut milk or pounded groundnuts are added and it is served with

ugali or rice.

Commercial: Sold in local markets.

Other: The plant is used for ornamental purposes.

EASON: Leaves are collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Usually collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by

local people, but can easily be propagated from seed.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

477

THE SPECIES

Nicandra physaloides Solanaceae

Winged calyx

Axillary flower turned

outward

478

THE SPECIES

Nymphaea lotus Nymphaeaceae

Indigenous [Plate 3]

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Lombo; Digo: Toro; English: White lotus, Winter lotus; Hehe:

Lubehe; Luo: Yunga; Ngindo: King’ala; Nyamwezi: Maleve; Swahili:

Myungiyungi.

ESCRIPTION: An aquatic plant growing from a large oval tuberous rhizome.

Many stalks carry leaves which float on the surface or are submerged, depending

on the season and the water level. There are air spaces inside the stalk and leaf

tissue. LEAVES: Large and rounded to deeply heart shaped, the basal lobes

touching or slightly overlapping, 10–32 cm long, no hairs but clear spreading

veins to the edges, which have regular sharp brown teeth, 7–9 primary

veins below, the whole network raised, green above but red-purple-brown below.

FLOWERS: White, fragrant, solitary at or above the water surface, 10–18 cm

across, 4 green sepals, 16–20 petals, a mass of yellow stamens in the

centre. FRUIT: Rounded but flattened, 4–9 cm diameter, containing many

seeds, ripening under water.

COLOGY: A water plant of sheltered still water 0.5–2.5 m deep, also in swamps and

fringes of Lake Victoria, 0–1,200 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in many parts of Tanzania, including Zanzibar and Pemba

but not in the central part. Also in Uganda, Kenya, Egypt and widespread in

tropical Africa into South Africa and Madagascar. Widely cultivated in the

Americas, a variety in Australia.

SES:

Food:

– Tubers are edible. They are collected, boiled and eaten.

– Alternatively, the tubers may be sliced, dried in the sun and then pounded

into flour. The flour is then used to make porridge.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used for ornamental purposes.

EASON: Tubers are collected all year around.

TORAGE: The flour from pounded tubers can be stored for several months.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local people.

Regarded as a water weed. Can be propagated using seed, suckers and rhizomes.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: Another water lily, N. nouchali var. caerulea (English: Blue lotus of

Egypt, Water lily; Nyamwezi: Maleve; Swahili: Myungiyungi), is also eaten

in the same way. It resembles the above species but has blue flowers and is

widespread in East Africa and southwards to South Africa. Also found in Egypt,

Sudan and West Africa. Several other exotic species of Nymphaea are cultivated

in ponds for ornamental purposes.

479

THE SPECIES

Nymphaea lotus Nymphaeaceae

Lower surface of young leaf

and margin enlarged

Section of rhizome

Fruiting head

Flower and floating leaves

Under water rhizome with

buds and young leaves

480

THE SPECIES

Oldenlandia corymbosa var. corymbosa Rubiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Hehe: Nyangulunga; Sambaa: Mkeyamasha.

ESCRIPTION: An erect or prostrate sparsely branched annual herb, stems to 30 cm;

sometimes rooting from the nodes. LEAVES: Small and narrow, about 4.0

cm x 0.5 cm, usually six to eight times longer then wide, base narrowed, tip

pointed, arising at nodes with a stipular sheath. FLOWERS: Very small,

white or some pink stripes, on long stalks from leaf axils, 4 petal lobes

longer than the 2.5 mm tube, 2 mm or less across, 4 very narrow red-green

sepals. Sometimes 2–5 flowers on a divided stalklet to 1.8 cm. FRUIT: Dry

capsules, pale brown, membranous, about 2.8 mm wide, held on thin stiff stalks

reaching well beyond the leaves, tending to hang down, somewhat 2-lobed

containing several pale brown seeds.

COLOGY: Grassland with long or short grass, bushland, montane scrub, shallow

soil on rocks, sandy river ridges, furrows and dry ponds on black-cotton soil,

cultivated and disturbed ground, 0–2,300 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Most parts of Tanzania including Zanzibar Island, but excluding

the central and western parts of the country; widespread in Africa including

Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Uganda, Ethiopia and Kenya.

SES:

Food:

– Tender leaves and stems are cooked with other vegetables such as

Amaranthus and Cucurbita species and act as a softener for the other cooked

vegetables.

– Leaves and stems are burnt, the ash mixed with water then filtered and the

liquid used as a tenderizer when cooking other vegetables.

Medicinal: Leaves are pounded, soaked in warm water and the liquid drunk

to treat stomach disorders.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used as fodder for rabbits and for ornamental purposes.

EASON: Usually collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: The ash obtained from burnt leaves and stems can be stored for several

months.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by the local

people, but can be propagated by seed and cuttings.

STATUS: Common and easily obtainable within its habitat.

EMARKS: There are five varieties in East Africa; sometimes an abundant weed.

481

THE SPECIES

Oldenlandia corymbosa var. corymbosa Rubiaceae

Flowers

Leaves

Fruit

482

THE SPECIES

Oldfieldia dactylophylla Euphorbiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Haya: Msamina; Nyamwezi: Mkalanga, Mliwanfwengi,

Muliwanfwengi.

DESCRIPTION: A semi-deciduous tree up to 15 m high with a short bole, usually

swollen at the base; spreading branches give it a flattish or rounded open crown.

Thick branchlets covered with red-brown hairs. BARK: Grey-black, scaly, with

deep vertical cracks and ridges, rather like crocodile skin. LEAVES: Compound,

digitate like fingers of a hand with 3–7 unequal leaflets, each one shortly

stalked, dark green and leathery, long oval, shiny above but brown hairy

below, to 12 cm long. The leaves have stalks, 10 cm, alternate on the branches.

FLOWERS: Very small, on male and female trees, buds hairy brown. Female

flowers solitary, male flowers in dense clusters, orange brown, April–October.

FRUIT: Round and dull yellow-green, softly hairy, 2 cm diameter, edible pulp

around the seeds; fruit break open to release seed.

COLOGY: Found in miombo woodland; 1,100–1,500 m, rainfall 700–1,000 mm.

Grows on various soil types including sandy loams, sandy clay loams and red

clay loams.

ISTRIBUTION: Common in Mwanza, Tabora and Singida Regions. Also found in

Malawi, Zambia and eastern Angola.

USES:

Food:

The fruit pulp is edible. Ripe fruits are collected from the tree and the pulp

around the seeds is eaten while the seeds are rejected. They have a sweetish

taste and are favoured by children and herdsmen.

Medicinal: A decoction from the roots is used as medicine for treatment of

STDs and hernia. It is also used as an aphrodisiac. Roots are washed, boiled

and the liquid is given to the patient three times a day (Nyamwezi).

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for firewood and for making spoons.

EASON: Fruits are collected from April to May.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by local people.

Can be propagated by seed.

STATUS: Uncommon and only scattered in its area of distribution.

483

THE SPECIES

Oldfieldia dactylophylla Euphorbiaceae

Buds and flowers

Fruiting branchlet

Fruit section

484

THE SPECIES

Oncoba spinosa Flacourtiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Chagga: Mdara; Kerewe: Msebeye; Kimbu: Mduvi; Maasai:

Olboldoli, Olsanangururi; Mwera: Ng’ewe; Nyakyusa: Msaibi; Nyika: Msangu;

Nyamwezi: Mduvi; Sambaa: Mtonga; Swahili: Mdara; Tongwe: Kaposo,

Katwa; Zinza: Msuguswa.

ESCRIPTION: A semi-deciduous spiny shrub or small tree 4–10 m, much branched

to a rounded bushy crown. BARK: Smooth, light-grey brown, young

branches speckled with lenticel dots, becoming dark brown, scaly with

age. Branches with straight, axillary spines to 8 cm, slender and sharp,

while the main trunk may have shorter compound thorns. LEAVES: Alternate,

leathery, strong shiny green, often recurved, broadly oval, about 8 cm long,

margin with small rounded or pointed teeth, sometimes few, base tapering

to a short stalk, tip well pointed. FLOWERS: Solitary, showy and fragrant,

white or pale pink up to 9 cm across, on stalks 1–2 cm, with 8–10 white

overlapping petals about 3 cm long, twice the size of 4 sepal lobes, a mass of

golden stamens in the centre, the green-cream central stigma knob

about 4 mm across (seen clearly on young fruit). FRUIT: Round, shiny red-

brown when ripe, 5–6 cm in diameter, the hard “shell” marked with 8 faint

lines, the old calyx persists. Inside shiny brown seeds lie in a dry thick yellow-

brown pulp, edible but sour.

COLOGY: Found along river banks, in woodland, scrub forest, sometimes forming

thickets in river valleys, bushland, Brachystegia woodland, 0–1,800 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Widely distributed throughout tropical Africa, Arabia, South Africa.

Almost every part of Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya.

SES:

Food:

The ripe orange-yellow pulp is eaten fresh. The seeds are rejected. It tastes

sweet and is eaten as a snack or as a famine food.

Medicinal: Roots are pounded, soaked in hot water and the liquid drunk to

treat headache and dysentery, and it is also used in “magic” ceremonies.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The dry fruit is bored with holes and filled with dry seeds of Sesbania to

make a rattle-like percussion instrument. Dry fruits are used as snuff con-

tainers (Sambaa).

EASON: Fruits are collected from April to June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local people.

However, it can be propagated from seed.

485

THE SPECIES

STATUS: Locally common.

EMARKS: Not much liked in cultivated areas because of its thorns and it is also

regarded as competing with crops.

Oncoba spinosa (contd) Flacourtiaceae

Fruit section

Leaf edge enlarged

Stamen

Pistil

Seed

Flowering stem with spines

Bud

486

THE SPECIES

Opilia amentacea (O. celtidifolia) Opiliaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Arusha: Engirusha; Gogo: Mtulu; Hehe: Lukokonza, Nyamtulo;

Luguru: Mlende; Maasai: Engirushai; Nyakyusa: Kalemela; Nyamwezi:

Kaguha, Luvisu; Nyaturu: Musundu; Sambaa: Mwevumbulo; Sandawi:

Tsengeré; Sukuma: Lubisu; Zigua: Mwevumbulo.

ESCRIPTION: An evergreen shrub, often a climber or erect to 10 m, branching

from near the base. Young branches green or reddish, hairy or not. BARK:

Older bark grey–dark brown, the pale breathing pores showing up as lines on

ridges of cork. LEAVES: Alternate, on stalks 3–8 mm, long oval, 5–12 cm,

tip usually pointed, upper surface shiny, 2–7 pairs veins clear below, base

narrowed or rounded, stiff. FLOWERS: Appear with the mature leaves,

small and regular, axillary, solitary or clustered, sweet-scented, covered with

little hairy bracts at first appearing like a cone, becoming catkin-like on a

stalk to 5.5 cm, the 5 tiny petals cream-yellow-green. FRUIT: An ovoid

drupe to 2.5 cm, yellow-orange when ripe, containing a large edible stone.

COLOGY: A plant growing in a wide range of environments from coastal bushland,

through Acacia woodland to dry forest, often in riverine forest; also in upland

rainforest, 0–1,900 m.

ISTRIBUTION: In all parts of Tanzania; also Kenya, Uganda; widespread all over

tropical Africa southwards to Angola.

SES:

Food:

– Fruits are edible. Ripe fruits are picked from the tree and eaten raw.

– Leaves are cooked as a vegetable, either alone or mixed with other veg-

etables, and served with a staple.

Medicinal:

– Pounded root is mixed with sodium bicarbonate and the mixture licked to

treat coughs.

– A root decoction or infusion is drunk for relief of fever, mental illness, head-

ache, influenza and stomach problems. The root has purgative and diuretic

properties.

– An extract of leaves containing sodium bicarbonate is used as an anthelm-

intic. A cold-water extract is drunk to treat oedema and a decoction used for

toothache.

– The bark is pounded and soaked and used to treat malaria.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is soft and light and used for firewood, combs, toothbrushes

and spoons. The flexible stems are used for making chairs and storage con-

tainers. The shrub is used for shade and ornamental purposes.

EASON: Leaves are collected from April to November.

487

THE SPECIES

STORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, and not cultivated or protected by the local

people. However, it can be propagated by seeds and cuttings.

TATUS: Locally common.

Opilia amentacea (contd) Opiliaceae

Mature fruit

Catkin-like as flower

stalks lengthen

Cone-like bracts

around flower buds

Leaf shapes

488

THE SPECIES

Opuntia vulgaris (O. ficus-indica) Cactaceae

Central America [Plate 3]

OCAL NAMES: English: Cactus, Prickly pear; Fiome: Ahntsi; Hehe: Likidindi;

Sandawi: Tlan/.kakaso; Swahili: Masikio tembo, Mfurahisha mkundu,

Mpungate; Sukuma: Matwigampuli.

ESCRIPTION: A dense succulent bush with swollen articulated branches which

become woody, or a tree reaching 2–5 m. Sometimes forms impenetrable thickets.

The oval flattened stem joints grow one above the other, ear shaped,

to 40 cm long and bristling with tufts of very sharp spines. These green

stems fulfill the function of leaves and manufacture the plant’s food. LEAVES:

True leaves, small and thin, appear briefly at the tips of very young shoots and

soon fall off. FLOWERS: Bright orange-yellow, 6–8 cm across, with many

sepals, petals and stamens arranged spirally. Flowers develop in rows on

the upper edges of young joints almost all year round. FRUIT: Fleshy and

egg shaped but deeply depressed at the top, green, ripening brick-red–

yellow–purple. When ripe, the spiny skin, with is barbed hairs, slips off leaving

sweet edible flesh around the seeds.

COLOGY: A true cactus which grows in arid, semi-arid to humid areas, 900–2,400

m. It can grow in very hot dry areas and in poor soils.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in many towns and villages in Tanzania, including on

Zanzibar Island. Its origins are unknown, but probably Central or South

America. The plant is now very widespread in tropical and sub-tropical areas,

to north Africa and the Mediterranean.

SES:

Food:

The fruit is edible when it ripens and softens. The prickly hairs and spines

are removed by peeling off the outer skin to expose the sweet inner white

pulp which is eaten.

Other: The plant is used for ornamental purposes and erosion control, live

fence, boundary and grave marking and bee forage.

EASON: Being a succulent, it can be harvested all the year round.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: It is planted by cuttings. First introduced for hedges, fodder or fruit,

the plant has become widely naturalized. Once established, it is hard to eradicate

and may become an unwelcome weed species. Severe control is required.

TATUS: Widely planted, and also spreads on its own.

489

THE SPECIES

Opuntia vulgaris (O. ficus-indica) Cactaceae

Habit

One stem joint with

young fruit

Ripe fruit (c.10 cm long)

Flower

490

THE SPECIES

Ormocarpum kirkii Papilionaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Arusha: Engokiki; Bondei: Hombo-kiumbu; Digo: Chitadzi, Kitazi,

Mtute; English: Small caterpillar pod; Gorowa: Natsiayi; Hehe: Kitimbwi

kidala; Iraqw: Natsiimo; Maasai: Esekilianjoi; Mbugwe: Muzisunde; Ngindo:

Kigoje; Nyamwezi: Mkondwampuli, Tuuti; Nyaturu: Musinda; Rangi:

Msongolamambo, Munni, Uwi; Sambaa: Hombo, Mhombo; Zigua: Kirumbu,

Kisogo, Kiumbu.

ESCRIPTION: A shrub or small tree 2–9 m. BARK: Rough and grey. Young twigs

with a few white hairs. LEAVES: Usually clustered on short side shoots

with 7–13 pairs of leaflets plus a terminal leaflet, each oblong, about 1

cm, wider at the tip, which has a sharp point, the edge tightly rolled under,

darker above than below, leaflets well spaced along the stalk with some hairs.

FLOWERS: Large, pink, deep mauve in the centre, pea shaped, towards

the ends of branches, 1–3 together on short stalks, the standard petal about 1.5

cm long, wider across, ovary and stalk densely hairy, corolla remains around

the fruit. FRUIT: A very small pod, barely 2 cm, hairy, curled into a ring

within the brown petals—rarely maturing due to insect attack, so often there is

only one perfect seed.

COLOGY: A plant of Acacia–Commiphora or coastal bushland, dry bushed grassland,

0–1,700 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Common in all parts of Tanzania, and also in Kenya, the Congo

basin, Somalia, and south to South Africa.

SES:

Food:

The dried leaves are pounded and sieved. This powder is stirred into warm

water, which is then boiled while stirring to form a thick paste, which may

then be mixed with pounded groundnuts and eaten with ugali or rice.

Medicinal:

– Ash from this plant is rubbed onto swollen parts of the body after scarifica-

tion in order to reduce oedema and relieve allergic conditions.

– Roots are to treat rheumatism and stomach problems.

– Crushed leaves are rubbed on to the forehead to treat headache.

Commercial: Sold in local markets (Zigua, Sambaa, Bondei, Pare).

Other: Leaves are used as fodder for goats. The wood is used for firewood,

walking sticks and poles and the tree for fencing and as an ornamental.

EASON: Collected during the rainy season and early dry season.

TORAGE: The vegetable powder made from pounded dried leaves can be stored for

several months.

ANAGEMENT: Usually collected from the wild, but can be propagated by seedlings

and cuttings.

491

THE SPECIES

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: O. trichocarpum (English: Large caterpillar pod; Hehe: Kitimbwi kigosi;

Maasai: Esikilianjoi; Nyamwezi: Mkondwampuli; Rangi: Msongolamambo,

Muuwi, Mwuwi; Sambaa: Hombo kiumbu) is used in the same way as O. kirkii.

Widespread in Tanzania; also found in Kenya, Uganda and southern Ethiopia.

Ormocarpum kirkii (contd) Papilionaceae

Flower

Enlarged fruit pod and

section showing seed

Developing fruit pod

Flower

Flowering shoot

O. trichocarpum

Fruit pod

O. kirkii

Flowers and leaves

492

THE SPECIES

Osyris lanceolata (O. compressa) Santalaceae

Indigenous [Plate 3]

OCAL NAMES: Barabaig: Getakhubay; Bena: Lidunula, Mdunula; Chagga:

Mberegesa; English: African sandalwood, East African sandalwood; Fipa:

Mkaisya; Gorowa: Siginyanyi; Iraqw: Kipaa-atu, Kipatina; Ha: Umunyinya;

Haya: Omunyinya; Hehe: Mdunula; Maasai: Oloyesyyai, Olsesyani;

Matengo: Kilangati; Nyaturu: Munyingwampembe, Muvabaahi; Pare:

Kizulu, Mzulu; Rangi: Kibwala, Kimbwala; Sambaa: Mzulu; Swahili:

Msandali; Wanji: Lidunula.

ESCRIPTION: An evergreen shrub or small tree 1–6 m, smaller branches drooping.

BARK: Smooth, grey, later thick and rough, branchlets obscurely angled.

LEAVES: Simple and alternate, crowded along the stems, grey, blue or yellow-

green, slightly fleshy, becoming tough and leathery, narrow oval, 1–7 cm long

with a fine sharp tip, edge tightly rolled under, the 2 mm stalk runs down

the stem forming a ridge. FLOWERS: Small, pale yellow-green on few-

flowered short heads from leaf axils, sepal tube pale green with 3–6 lobes

which are yellow-green like the disc, dull orange-green anthers. FRUIT: Waxy,

oval-rounded berries about 1 cm long, green-yellow ripening shiny red,

fleshy and edible, containing one seed.

COLOGY: A shrub of well-drained soils, Brachystegia woodlands, the under-storey

of highland forests, and in forest remnants, on rocky ridges and mountain slopes,

1,500–2,500 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Found scattered in many parts of Tanzania except in the lowlands.

Also in Kenya, Ethiopia, Burundi, and south to South Africa.

USES:

Food:

– Roots and bark are used for tea and as a tonic in soup.

– Fruits are edible. Ripe fruits are picked from the tree and eaten raw, the

pulp is swallowed and the seed discarded. Only eaten as an emergency food,

especially by children and herdsmen.

Medicinal:

– Roots are used as medicine for diarrhoea.

– Bark and the heartwood are boiled and the liquid drunk to treat STDs and

anaemia.

Commercial: Roots and wood are sold locally and also exported for making

perfume.

Other: The wood is very hard, strong and heavy and is used for carvings,

grain mortars, fuelwood, pestles, pegs and building poles. The wood is scented

and used to make cosmetics and perfume. Roots are also used for making a

red dye. The tree is used as an ornamental and for soil conservation.

EASON: Fruits are available throughout the year, but most abundant from July to

December.

493

THE SPECIES

STORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, but can be propagated from fresh seed and

suckers.

STATUS: Occasional within its area of distribution. An endangered tree in Tanzania

due to over-exploitation.

EMARKS: This species has been over-exploited in most parts of Tanzania, including

Lushoto, Same and Kilimanjaro, because of its sweet-scented wood which has

been exported since the era of German administration for the manufacture of

cosmetics.

Osyris lanceolata (contd) Santalaceae

Fleshy fruit

Flower heads

494

THE SPECIES

Oxygonum sinuatum Polygonaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Mbigili, Nyalenge; Chagga: Mbiinu; Hehe: Nyambigili;

Maasai: Echunge, Enkaisijoi; Nyamwezi: Mbigili, Nsokolo, Shyokolo; Sambaa:

Mbigili; Swahili: Kindri, Mbamba, Mbigili, Mbigiri; Zigua: Mbigili.

ESCRIPTION: An annual herb, bent over or erect, to 90 cm, often spreading, stems

green-red-brown, with very few or no hairs. LEAVES: Alternate, oval, to 6 cm

long, the edge deeply cut into irregular lobes, tip pointed, base narrowed

to a stalk 1–2 cm. Where the stalk joins the stem it is red and tubular for

about 5 mm with fine bristles on the edge (stipular sheath). FLOWERS:

White or pink, 2–3 mm, inconspicuous, along terminal leafless spikes

up to 28 cm. No petals, but 3–6 green sepals form a tube around the

ovary. FRUIT: The sepals make a hard wall around the erect fruit, an

indehiscent nutlet 8 mm long with 3 hard radiating prickles, containing

one seed.

COLOGY: A common weed in cultivation, roadsides and grasslands, 0–2,400 m.

Common on poor sandy soils.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in all parts of Tanzania. Distributed from Sudan and Ethiopia

in the north to the Congo basin in the south.

SES:

Food:

Leaves are cooked as a vegetable. They are collected and cooked with other

vegetables such as Amaranthus, Bidens and Galinsoga species in order to

soften them (Gogo, Hehe, Bondei, Zigua).

Medicinal:

– Leaves are squeezed and the juice is dropped into the eyes to treat conjunc-

tivitis (Nyamwezi).

– Roots are used for treatment of STDs.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: Leaves and stems are used as fodder for goats and rabbits.

EASON: Young leaves and shoots are collected in the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Usually collected from the wild and not cultivated, but can be

propagated by seed.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: Well known as a troublesome weed—because it is efficiently distributed

by its prickly fruits.

495

THE SPECIES

Oxygonum sinuatum Polygonaceae

Stipular sheath

Nutlet fruit with prickles

Flower

496

THE SPECIES

Pappea capensis Sapindaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Arusha: Orimigomi; Fipa: Mwikalatulo, Mwunza; Gogo: Mtori,

Muanga; Gorowa: Getakhubay; Hehe: Mhungulu; Kuria: Momange; Maasai:

Oldimigomi; Nyaturu: Mjaghamba; Rangi: Iyarampimbi, Mtula-ikufa;

Swahili: Mbamba ngoma; Zigua: Mnenge; Zinza: Muliwa-mpamgo.

ESCRIPTION: A small, leafy, semi-deciduous tree, usually to 6 m, with a short trunk

branching low down to form a spreading rounded crown. BARK: Pale to dark

grey, smooth, with horizontal markings. LEAVES: Distinctive, oblong

in shape, usually in terminal clusters, dull dark green, stiff and wavy, the

edge sometimes spine-toothed, base rounded. FLOWERS: Green-yellow,

in spikes to 12 cm, male flowers at the end, female at the base of the spike.

FRUIT: Round, furry green capsules about 1 cm across, split to reveal a bright

orange-red jelly (the aril) covering a shiny dark red-brown to black

oval seed. This edible seed kernel is rich in oil. The juicy flesh is edible, slightly

acid but pleasantly flavoured.

COLOGY: Found in drier forest, savanna and open woodlands, bushland, bushed

grassland, on rocky hillsides, 900–2,400 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in most parts of Tanzania except coastal areas. Distributed

from Ethiopia and northern Somalia in the north to South Africa in the south.

SES:

Food:

– Both ripe and unripe fruits are collected from the tree and eaten raw. The

unripe fruits are sour, ripe ones sweeter.

– The bark is dried, pounded and the powder used as a tea and as an appe-

tizer in soup.

Medicinal: The bark is cooked with soup to treat indigestion, stomach-ache

and diarrhoea (Maasai).

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is hard, heavy and durable. It is used for poles, fuelwood,

pestles, grain mortars, tool handles, spoons and pegs. The tree provides good

shade, fodder and bee forage.

EASON: Fruits are collected from February to June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Fruits are usually collected from the wild, but the tree can be

propagated by seed.

STATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: A tree suitable for agroforestry systems.

497

THE SPECIES

Pappea capensis Sapindaceae

Flowering spike

Fruit

498

THE SPECIES

Parinari curatellifolia subsp. curatellifolia Chrysobalanaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Msaula, Msawulwa, Musaulwa; Bende: Mbula; English:

Mobola plum; Fipa: Mwula; Gorowa: Amafa-aa; Ha: Umunazi; Haya:

Munanzi, Munazi; Hehe: Msaula; Iraqw: Amafa-aa; Kerewe: Muhasi,

Munazi; Longo: Mnazi; Maasai: Olmatakuroi; Matengo: Mbora, Mbula,

Mbuni, Mbura; Ndendeule: Mbora, Mbuni, Mbura, Umbura; Ngindo: Mmula;

Ngoni: Mbora, Mbula, Mbuni, Mbura, Umbura; Nyakyusa: Mbula, Umbula;

Nyamwezi: Mbula, Mubula, Muwula; Nyasa: Mbula; Nyiha: Ibula, Ikusu,

Maula; Rangi: Mafaa, Mbula, Mbura, Mumora, Mumura; Sukuma: Mnazi;

Swahili: Mbula, Mbura; Tongwe: Mubula; Zaramo: Mbula; Zinza: Munazi.

ESCRIPTION: An evergreen savanna shrub or tree to 15 m with erect branches

and a dense rounded crown. Trunk occasionally buttressed at the base.

BARK: Rough dark grey-brown, grooved, later flaking in large squares, sap

reddish. Young shoots with yellow-brown hairs. LEAVES: Oval and

alternate with clear parallel veins, leathery, shiny green above but hairy

grey-white below, to 8 cm long and 4.5 cm wide, tip blunt or notched on a

short stalk. FLOWERS: Small, white-pink, in short flat-topped heads, to 6 cm

across. Flower stalks and calyx with yellow-brown woolly hairs. FRUIT: Oval,

to 5 cm, with grey scales over yellow-red-brown skin. The fibrous yellow

flesh is sweet–acid and contains a hard stone with one edible seed kernel.

COLOGY: Deciduous woodland, to the upper limits of Brachystegia woodland, then

scattered in upland grassland, often persisting in secondary bushland and

cultivated land, 0–2,100 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in most parts of Tanzania including Zanzibar and Pemba

Islands, for example found in Kigoma, Iringa, Mwanza, Mbeya, Songea, Tabora

and Lindi Regions. Also in Uganda and Kenya and from Senegal to Sudan.

SES:

Food:

– The sweet flesh around the woody stone is eaten.

– Cooking oil is extracted from seeds. They are dried, roasted, crushed, boiled

in water, left to cool and the oil skimmed off.

– A soft drink is prepared by peeling ripe fruits and soaking them in warm

water (Hehe, Bena).

– A nice jam is prepared from ripe fruits (Tumbi–Tabora).

Commercial: Seed sold in local markets.

Other: The wood is hard and heavy, used for fuelwood, poles and tool handles.

The tree gives good shade and is important for bee forage.

EASON: Ripe fruits are collected from May to June in Tabora, Mpanda and Kigoma,

and October–December in the highland areas of Iringa, Njombe and Songea.

STORAGE: Dried seed can be stored in containers.

499

THE SPECIES

MANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, but the plant is often protected and

occasionally planted by local people.

TATUS: Common within its area of distribution. Can be propagated by seed but

the seeds are difficult to germinate.

REMARKS: There are two subspecies which are not easy to distinguish. Subsp.

curatellifolia is found in Tanzania but begins to be replaced by subsp. mobola

towards the south of the country. Subsp. mobola (which has thicker orange-

brown hairs and flowers for a longer period) is very well known and used in

Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa, where it is always preserved in cultivated

areas. In South Africa, the fruit are used for making both soft drinks and mobola

plum wine. The dried fruit can be stored, and were used as provisions on

Livingstone’s long journey, for example. The seed kernel is also eaten. A good

species for growing in orchards or homegardens.

Parinari curatellifolia subsp. curatellifolia Chrysobalanaceae

Mature fruit

Flower heads

Seed kernel

500

THE SPECIES

Parinari excelsa (P. holstii) Chrysobalanaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Forest mobola plum; Hehe: Mkanzaula, Msaula; Luguru:

Muula; Nyakyusa: Mbula; Pare: Muganda; Sambaa: Mbula, Mhula, Muula,

Muuwa; Swahili: Mbula, Mbura; Tongwe: Mubula; Zigua: Mula.

ESCRIPTION: A tall evergreen tree, much branched and bushy, the bole straight,

up to 20 m and 1 m across, the base slightly buttressed. BARK: Grey, finely

grooved, becoming rough, cracked and scaly. Dark branchlets dotted with pale

lenticels (breathing pores). Young shoots, flower stalks, all with pale brown

woolly hairs. LEAVES: Alternate, oval, to about 11 cm and up to wide, usually

with a long-pointed tip, narrowed to a short stalk, dark green shiny above,

pale brown, softly hairy below, the veins regular and parallel above and below.

FLOWERS: The terminal white flowers easily recognized on he flowering tree.

Each one very small, 6 mm across, with 5 cream-white petals, on branched

stalks beside leaves. FRUIT: A fleshy oval drupe, sometimes round, 2–5

cm long, green-brown with paler specks, 1–2 seeds inside, also edible.

COLOGY: Found in upland rainforest where it is often dominant, as well as in

riverine forest in Brachystegia woodland, 1,000–2,100 m.

DISTRIBUTION: In Tanzania this tree grows well on sandy soils in open deciduous

woodland, e.g. in Dodoma Region and around Lake Victoria, but is recorded for

most areas. Also in Uganda, and south to Malawi and Zambia; also widespread

in West Africa.

SES:

Food:

– The ripe fruits are collected from the ground, the rough, woody outer cover

removed and the soft fleshy pulp eaten as a snack, especially by children.

The fruits are eaten in small amounts and are said to taste like avocado.

– The kernels are oily and also eaten.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood yields good charcoal and good-quality timber for heavy con-

struction because it is very strong and tough. It is also used for firewood,

mortars and tool handles. The tree is used for shade in coffee farms and is

also an important source of bee forage.

EASON: Ripe fruits are collected from August to March, with an intermediate heavy

crop in November and December.

STORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the forests and is not cultivated or protected by the

local people.

TATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

501

THE SPECIES

REMARKS: Suitable agroforestry tree for highland areas. The pointed leaf tips and

narrower leaves differentiate this species from Parinari curatellifolia.

Parinari excelsa (contd) Chrysobalanaceae

Flower head

Section of fruit

Branchlet with fruit

502

THE SPECIES

Parkia filicoidea Mimosaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bende: Msepa; Nguru: Mkundi; Sambaa: Mkundi; Swahili:

Mkunde, Mlopa; Tongwe: Iseha; Zigua: Mkundi.

DESCRIPTION: A deciduous rain forest tree, 8–30 m, with a spreading flat crown and

small rounded buttresses. BARK: Scaly or smooth, grey to yellow-brown, dark

and fissured with age. Orange-coloured resin if cut. LEAVES: Bipinnate

and feathery with 4–14 pinnae at each side on a stalk to 20 cm. About 11–17

pairs of leaflets on each pinna, the leaflet oblong, slightly curved, tip

rounded, 2–3 cm. FLOWERS: Easy to recognize, small flowers in bright red

club-shaped heads hanging down on stalks to 30 cm, with a strong

unpleasant scent (attracting fruit bats). Heads up to 8 cm long. FRUIT:

Characteristic pods hang down in clusters, dark brown-purple, 30–60 cm

long with stalk, the pod somewhat narrowed between the seeds. Thick black

seeds lie in a dry mealy yellow pulp which tastes sweet.

COLOGY: Lowland rainforest and riverine forest, also in coastal forests, 200–1,400

DISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania, e.g. in Tanga, Morogoro, Pwani and Lindi

Regions. Also found in Uganda and Kenya, and south to Mozambique, Malawi,

Zimbabwe and Angola.

SES:

Food:

– Young pods are collected, cut into short pieces, cooked like peas and eaten.

– Mature seeds are cooked and eaten, especially during periods of food short-

age (Luguru/Zigua).

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is white, rather soft and used for firewood and to make water

containers, stools and beehives. The tree is used for shade and as an orna-

mental. The bark produces a red dye. An important bee-forage tree.

EASON: Mature fruits are collected from January to April.

TORAGE: Dried seeds can be stored for several months.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by the local

people. Propagation can be done by seed.

STATUS: Occasional within its habitat.

EMARKS: Parkia filicoidea is an important food tree for monkeys and baboons.

503

THE SPECIES

Parkia filicoidea Mimosaceae

Leaf and flower heads

Enlarged flower

Enlarged leaflet

Enlarged seed

Fruid pod

504

THE SPECIES

Peponium vogelii Cucurbitaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Sandawi: Hlampuka.

ESCRIPTION: A small or large climber or trailing herb to 8 m, usually roughly

hairy on all parts, tendrils divided into 2. LEAVES: Variable but

membranous, and 5 lobed, 5–18 cm x 7–26 cm wide, roughly hairy above and

on veins below as well as on the stalk 2–13 cm, the edge with sharp pointed

teeth, lobes variable, shallow or deep. FLOWERS: Conspicuous bright

yellow, male flowers 1 to many along a stalk 8–36 cm, bearing green-yellow

oval bracts to 3 cm, flowers 4–8 cm diameter, sweet scented, opening at night

and seen only in the early morning; female flowers also on long stalks, 1–5 cm,

the ovary white woolly. FRUIT: The stalk elongates to 7 cm, bearing a bright

red hairy thin-skinned fruit, usually elongated to 15 cm with a beak,

sometimes orange with green streaks, containing small dark seeds in fleshy

pulp.

COLOGY: Upland and lowland rainforest and forests on ground with high ground

water-table, upland bamboo thicket, also in woodland and bushland near open

water, 100–2,400 m; may also be local in rocky places, forest edges.

ISTRIBUTION: In most parts of Tanzania, including Zanzibar, but not in the western

areas. Also found in West and Central tropical Africa, Ghana to Ethiopia, south

through Kenya and Uganda to Angola and Mozambique, also on the Seychelles.

SES:

Food:

Ripe fruit pulp is sweet and eaten raw, especially by children and herdsmen.

Medicinal: Leaves are used as medicine for menstrual problems.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: Fruits are used as fodder for rabbits and pigs.

EASON: Ripe fruits are collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by local people.

Can be propagated by seed.

STATUS: Common within its area of distribution, especially in open areas.

EMARKS: Regarded as a bad weed in fallow land.

505

THE SPECIES

Peponium vogelii Cucurbitaceae

Fruit ( life size)

Female and male flowers

Male flower

head with bracts

Seed (x 4)

506

THE SPECIES

Phoenix reclinata Arecaceae (Palmae)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Arusha: Olpiroo; Barabaig: Millan; Digo: Makindu, Mchindu;

English: Senegal date, Wild date palm; Gorowa: Intsanti; Haya: Makindu;

Iraqw: Thiaanthii; Maasai: Olpiroo, Oltukai; Ngindo: Mkindu; Nyamwezi:

Mlala; Nyaturu: Mkindu; Sambaa: Mkindu, Msaa; Sukuma: Bukindu;

Swahili: Mkindu; Tongwe: Lusanda; Zinza: Mchindu.

ESCRIPTION: A palm tree with a creeping rootstock. The mature palm trunk may

reach 10 m, slender and often bent over (“reclinata”), about 25 cm in diameter,

covered in very rough leaf scars. LEAVES: To 2.7 m long, growing out from a

fibrous leaf sheath, the crown of about 25 leaves arching over, leaflets narrow,

folded, bright shiny green, to 30 cm, stiff and pointed. Lower leaflets spiny

to 6 cm long, leaf stalk up to 50 cm. FLOWERS: Male and female on different

trees. Male flowers cream-brown, to 7 mm, female flowers greenish, 2 mm.

FRUIT: Yellow-brown, about 2 cm, edible.

COLOGY: A palm that usually grows in dense clumps beside swamps and rivers in

humid lowland woodlands, in highland forests or on open rocky hillsides, 0–

3,000 m. Also in moist wooded savanna grassland and in thickets.

ISTRIBUTION: Found throughout tropical Africa and widespread in Tanzania.

SES:

Food:

The ripe yellow or orange fruits are collected from the ground and eaten

immediately as a refreshing snack. They are sweet and much liked by chil-

dren.

Beverage: The growing shoots are tapped to make palm wine.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: Leaves used to make mats and baskets. The fibres from the crushed

stem are used for the manufacture of scrubbing brushes. The stems are also

used for construction of livestock enclosures, houses, bridges, walls and fenc-

ing. Leaves are used for ceremonial and religious purposes, roofing and weav-

ing mats, hats and baskets. The tree is used for shade, as an ornamental

and is a source of bee forage.

EASON: Fruits are collected at the end of the rainy season and into the dry season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild but also planted as an ornamental in

homestead compounds. Can be propagated by seed and suckers.

TATUS: Common in many areas, but it is troublesome to collect the fruits or leaves

because of the spines on the leaves.

REMARKS: The strong fibres from the leaves are used all over tropical Africa for

making baskets, mats, etc.

507

THE SPECIES

Phoenix reclinata Arecaceae (Palmae)

Leaf

Fruit

Habit

508

THE SPECIES

Phyllanthus engleri Euphorbiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Digo: Mkuta-manena; Fiome: Maendahakhai; Gorowa:

Indakhakha; Hehe: Mkingiligiti; Iraqw: Indakhakha; Nyamwezi: Mgogondi

Nyaturu: Mubuntuwa; Sandawi: Samangwe.

ESCRIPTION: A deciduous spreading and much-branched thorny shrub or small

tree, conspicuous when bare in the dry season, often only a few fruit remain on

the grey branches covered with prickly conical cushions. BARK: Smooth

and grey, flaking irregularly with age, the bole commonly to 15-cm diameter.

LEAVES: Only scale leaves grow on the main stem, normal simple leaves

grow from shortened branchlets, which look like large scaly cushions.

These become hardened, with stout spiny stipules at the base. Leaf blade

usually wide oval, 2–5 cm long, tip sometimes pointed, dull deep green, paler

below, the edge clear (hyaline). FLOWERS: Very small, white, in bunches

beside leaves, male flowers only a few millimetres, female flowers with thread-

like styles. FRUIT: Rounded berries, in 3 sections to 3 cm in diameter,

pale yellow-green, outer skin smooth and papery, containing up to 6 dark

seeds in spongy edible pulp.

COLOGY: Locally common and scattered in deciduous woodland, bushland, rarely

in evergreen forest, 300–1,800 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in most parts of mainland Tanzania, into Mozambique, Zambia

and Zimbabwe.

USES:

Food:

– Young and mature fruits are picked and eaten raw. They have an acidic

taste and rather unpleasant odour but are nevertheless much liked.

– The juicy fruits are crushed and squeezed. The juice is mixed with lemon

juice and onions to make a kind of vinegar which is used as an appetizer.

Medicinal:

– Leaves and fruits are chewed for treating coughs and stomach-ache.

– Roots are boiled and the juice is drunk to treat bilharzia, STDs, abdominal

pains and menstrual problems (Digo, Nyamwezi, Sambaa, Zigua) and chest

pain (Hehe). However, the bark and roots of this species are known to be

toxic.

Commercial: Fruits are now sold in urban markets (Tabora, Dodoma and Dar

es Salaam).

Other: The wood is used for carvings, cups, spoons, firewood and poles. Leaves

are used as fodder for livestock.

EASON: Fruits are collected from April to August.

TORAGE: Mature fruits can be stored in the shade for about three months.

509

THE SPECIES

MANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by the local

people. It can be propagated from seed.

STATUS: Occasional within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: The tree is much browsed by wild game.

Phyllanthus engleri (contd) Euphorbiaceae

Pink sepals

Prickly conical

cushions

(cataphylls)

Variable leaf shapes

Bare tree with a few fruit

Clear leaf

edge (hyaline)

Spiny stipule

Scale leaf

Fresh fruit

Seeds

Open dried fruit

Dry fruit

Flowering shoot

510

THE SPECIES

Piliostigma thonningii Caesalpiniaceae

(Bauhinia thonningii)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bende: Mfumbe, Mnsakansaka; Digo: Mtsekeshe, Mutseketse;

English: Camel’s foot tree, Monkeybread; Fiome: Galapi; Fipa: Mfumbe,

Msindamboga, Nakifumbe; Gorowa: Galapi; Haya: Mtindambogo; Hehe:

Mkombalwiko, Mvambangoma; Iraqw: Galapi; Maasai: Ilsagararam (plural),

Olsagararami, Os sangararam; Mate: Chitembe, Titimbo; Matengo: Chitimbe,

Jitimbo; Mwera: Mguwauwa; Ngindo: Msegese; Nyamwezi: Mtindambogo;

Nyasa: Chitimbe; Nyaturu: Musasu; Rangi: Mngalapo, Mugalapo; Sambaa:

Mgonambogo, Msegese, Msegesege; Sangu: Mkombalwike, Muhela; Sukuma:

Mtindwa-mbogo; Swahili: Mchekeche, Mchikichiki, Mkichikichi, Msegese,

Mbamba ngoma; Tongwe: Msakanasaka; Zigua: Msegese; Zinza: Msindaga.

ESCRIPTION: A rounded deciduous tree, 3–5 m, branches twisted. BARK: Thick,

dark and rough, fibrous within. Dark red if cut. LEAVES: Large and bilobed,

a small bristle in the deep notch, often folded along midrib, leathery, pale

green, to 12 cm long, hairy, lower surface brown, many raised veins.

FLOWERS: White, cream or pink, hanging down in sprays 10–20 cm, 5

petals, only 2 cm long, the calyx cups very hairy, fragrant. FRUIT:

Flat brown and woody pods, hairy at first, 15–20 cm long, persisting on

the tree but finally decaying on the ground to free pea-sized seeds. Pulp

surrounding the seed is eaten.

COLOGY: Found in woodland, wooded grassland and bushland, 0–1,830 m; rainfall

600–1,500 mm. Thrives on a variety of soils.

DISTRIBUTION: Widespread in tropical Africa from Senegal to the Sudan and south

to Namibia and South Africa. Found in most parts of Tanzania, e.g. in Pwani,

Tanga, Morogoro, Tabora, Iringa, Mwanza and Kagera Regions.

SES:

Food:

– The brown pod is cracked, seeds are removed and the pulp eaten as a snack

or as emergency food; used in small amounts. It tastes sweet and is eaten

especially by children and herdsmen.

– The fruits are collected in large quantities during famine periods. They are

then pounded and the powder soaked in water, the liquid stirred and drunk

(Gogo, Hehe, Nyamwezi).

Medicinal:

– Tender leaves are chewed and the juice swallowed to treat stomach-ache,

coughs and snakebite.

– The ash obtained from burnt leaves is rubbed into snakebite wounds after

scarification in order to hasten healing.

511

THE SPECIES

– Roots are used to treat prolonged menstruation, haemorrhage and miscar-

riage in women and also for treatment of coughs, colds, body pain and STDs.

– Infusion of the bark is used to treat coughs, colds, chest pains and snakebite.

Other: Fruits are used for fodder. The wood is used for poles, firewood, grain

mortars, tool handles, spoons and bedsteads. The bark is used for ropes. The

tree is good for shade, bee forage and ornamental purposes.

EASON: Fruits are collected during the dry season between May and August.

TORAGE: Fruits can be stored for about four months.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by local people.

It can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

Piliostigma thonningii (contd) Caesalpiniaceae

One flower

Leaves

Flower head

Pod fruit

512

THE SPECIES

Piper guineense Piperaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Tambuu; English: Ashanti pepper; Sambaa: Tambuu;

Swahili: Mtambuu mwitu; Tongwe: Ilende-lya-kenyinamwami; Zigua:

Tambuu.

ESCRIPTION: An evergreen climber 4–20 m, climbing into trees by means of

small adventitious roots growing from the stem near the nodes, basal

and older stems with corky ridges, generally hairless. LEAVES: Alternate,

very variable, round to long oval, 5–20 cm long, tip long-pointed, base

round or narrowed, often unequal, to a stalk 1–4 cm, about 5 veins spreading

from the base. FLOWERS: Minute flowers grow on solitary spikes, 2–9 cm,

terminal or opposite leaves, yellow to green. FRUIT: Red, along the elongated

spike, each one shortly stalked, rounded, 3–6 mm, may also be orange-yellow

or brown.

COLOGY: Evergreen forest and forest edges, usually in wet places, gallery forest

along rocky rivers, 700–1,700 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in Mwanza, Kagera, Rukwa and Kigoma Regions, e.g. in

Rubare Forest Reserve in Bukoba District. Also in Kenya, Uganda, Sudan,

west to Mali and Guinea Bissau and south to Angola and Zambia.

SES:

Food:

– Leaves are chewed with betel nut (Areca catechu) as a substitute for Piper

betle.

– Fruits are dried and used as a spice when cooking rice in the same manner

as Piper nigrum.

Medicinal: Roots are chewed and the juice swallowed as an aphrodisiac.

Commercial: Sold in local markets.

Other: The plant is used as an indoor ornamental plant.

EASON: Fruits are collected from October to December.

TORAGE: Dried fruits can be stored for more than a year.

ANAGEMENT: Usually collected from the wild, but can be propagated by seeds and

cuttings.

STATUS: Locally common.

EMARKS: Piper guineense is popular and widely used in West Africa, where it is

known commercially as Ashanti pepper.

513

THE SPECIES

Piper guineense Piperaceae

Flower spikes

Stem with corky ridges

and adventitious roots

Berry fruits

514

THE SPECIES

Pistacia aethiopica Anacardiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Mastic tree; Maasai: Iltorel, Lasamarai, Oldangudwa,

Olongoronok.

DESCRIPTION: A spreading evergreen shrub or tree 3–15 m, often multi-stemmed.

BARK: Rough, brown-black, exuding a resinous gum if cut, most parts

smell of turpentine or mango when crushed. LEAVES: Compound to 10

cm long on a characteristic winged stalk, aromatic, usually 3–4 pairs of

opposite leaflets, each 1–5 cm long, red when young, stiff when mature,

few or no hairs. FLOWERS: Very small, greenish (olivaceous), purplish

or yellow-cream with a red tinge on stalks, in compact heads on stalks 1–5

cm, no petals but tiny petal-like bracteoles, 4–6 stamens. FRUIT: Small,

rounded, red on one side only, to 5 mm diameter, containing one flattened

seed, smelling like mango when crushed.

COLOGY: Upland dry evergreen forest, with Juniperus, or associated bushland

and wooded grassland, 1,500–2,500 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Only in the northern parts of Tanzania; Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia

and Somalia.

USES:

Food:

– Gum tapped from bark is chewed by the Maasai and is believed to be very

nutritious.

– The bark is used as a substitute for tea.

Commercial: Sold locally.

Other: The wood is hard and used for poles, fuelwood, tool handles and tooth-

brushes. The tree is used for ornamental purposes and is a source of bee

forage.

EASON: Mastic gum is tapped and collected during the dry season: August–

November.

STORAGE: The gum can be stored for several months.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild but can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Occasional within its area of distribution.

515

THE SPECIES

Pistacia aethiopica Anacardiaceae

Male flower

Female flower

Fruiting branchlet

Female flowering

branchlet

Male flowering branchlet

516

THE SPECIES

Pistia stratiotes Araceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Water lettuce; Hehe: Nyamayingiya; Nyamwezi: Ileve;

Tongwe: Kakomakoma; Zigua: Chantende.

DESCRIPTION: A floating aquatic herb, stemless, with tufts of fibrous roots hanging

down to great depths. The roots end in a large root cap. The plant is reproduced

when the short underwater stems break off and produce new leaf rosettes.

LEAVES: Many leaves make a floating rosette, held up by air trapped in leaf

bases and between numerous hairs, leaves vary in size with habitat but reach

14 cm long and 8 cm broad, the tip flat or rounded, hairy both sides but

more hairs below, 5–7 parallel veins, prominently winged, below.

FLOWERS: Very inconspicuous, hidden in a short-stalked specialized leaf

(spathe) between the leaves, tiny male and female flowers, the spathe to 1.3

cm, green-white, edges hairy. FRUIT: A thin-walled, several seeded berry

which splits irregularly to release seed.

COLOGY: A plant of open still freshwater ponds, lagoons, dams, edges of lakes,

river mouths, 0–1,800 m.

DISTRIBUTION: In all parts of Tanzania, including Zanzibar and Pemba. Also in

Uganda, Kenya, and generally pantropical.

USES:

Food:

Leaves are used as a vegetable. Young leaves are collected, chopped and

cooked alone or mixed with other vegetables such as amaranth and peas.

Then coconut milk or pounded groundnuts are added and the dish is eaten

with ugali or rice.

Medicinal: Roots are used for treating burns. The fresh roots are collected,

pounded and applied on burns and without further dressing.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used as fodder for rabbits and pigs and for ornamental

purposes in ponds, dams, etc.

EASON: Leaves are available throughout the year.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from ponds, but can be propagated using seeds and suckers.

TATUS: Locally common.

EMARKS: Water lettuce is known to be a notorious weed of ponds, wells and dams.

517

THE SPECIES

Pistia stratiotes Araceae

Water surface

Floating rosette of leaves

Fibrous roots

518

THE SPECIES

Platostoma africanum Lamiaceae (Labiatae)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Kisugu; Swahili: Kisogo.

ESCRIPTION: A weakly erect or trailing annual herb or a short-lived perennial to 1

m, stem pale green and 4-angled. LEAVES: Opposite, oval, to 5 cm x 3.5 cm,

usually smaller, tip pointed, edge toothed, base narrowed to a 2 cm stalk,

pale grey-green below. FLOWERS: Small, along a narrow terminal flower

head, 2–15 cm, flowers often spaced out, only 2–3 mm, white, 2-lipped,

spotted pink-mauve, a small white bract with green tips beside each flower,

the green calyx has a rounded upper lobe overlapping the lower lip, often with

white hairs. FRUIT: 4 ovoid nutlets.

COLOGY: In all wet forest regions, often in partial shade at forest edges, roadsides,

stream banks, grassland, 100–2,500 m. Sometimes a weed in tea plantations

and recorded in open miombo, in rice and maize shambas, and on lava.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in most parts of Tanzania; Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Malawi

and the Congo basin into West African rainforests.

USES:

Food:

Leaves are cooked alone or with other vegetables and served with a staple

(ugali or rice). Sometimes coconut milk is added.

Medicinal: Roots are soaked in warm water and the resulting liquid drunk to

treat headache and as an aphrodisiac (Sambaa).

Commercial: Sold locally

EASON: Leaves are collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Usually collected from the wild and not cultivated. Can be propagated

by seed.

STATUS: Locally common.

519

THE SPECIES

Platostoma africanum Lamiaceae (Labiatae)

Flower spike

520

THE SPECIES

Polyceratocarpus scheffleri Annonaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Luguru: Mkenene, Muenene; Sambaa: Mkenene.

ESCRIPTION: A tall forest tree. BARK: Grey, young branchlets with fine rusty hairs

soon lost, later dark and rough. LEAVES: Alternate, mostly large and oblong,

16–30 cm, the pointed tip blunt not sharp, smooth shiny above, a few scattered

rusty hairs below but only clear on the young midribs, 9–15 lateral nerves, not

very prominent, edge wavy, on an 8-mm stalk, thick and wrinkled.

FLOWERS: Arise on older shoots, 3 sepals joined to form a circular calyx

about 1 cm diameter, wrinkled and rusty hairy outside, the 6 large petals in

2 whorls, hairy both sides, the outer whorl to 3.5 cm long, inner smaller,

numerous central stamens. Flower stalks thick and curved, about 1.5 cm, with

rusty hairs. FRUIT: At least 20 cylindrical carpels twisted together, almost

stalkless, strongly curved, 15–20 cm long and about 2.5 cm wide, somewhat

narrowed between seeds (about 25) which are up to 1.8 cm long, striped

purple-brown.

COLOGY: Rainforest, 800–1,000 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Only found in Tanga and Morogoro Regions.

SES:

Food:

The outer bark is removed and the inner bark dried, pounded and sieved.

The powder is used as a spice in soup or tea.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for poles, fuelwood, tool handles, bedsteads and spoons.

The tree is suitable for shade and as an ornamental.

EASON: The bark is collected all year round.

TORAGE: The powder can be stored for several months.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated. It can be propagated by

seed.

STATUS: Endemic to Tanzania. This rare species is difficult to find in the forest and

is listed as “endangered” in the 1997 IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants. Needs

propagation and conservation.

521

THE SPECIES

Polyceratocarpus scheffleri Annonaceae

Bud with ring of 3 sepals

Fruit

Seed and section

Flower section

522

THE SPECIES

Polygonum salicifolium (P. serrulatum) Polygonaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAME: Matengo: Mchendeka, Msendeka; Ndendeule: Mchendeka,

Msendeka; Ngoni: Mchendeka, Msendeka.

ESCRIPTION: A slender weak-stemmed annual herb, low on the mud at the

edge of water or erect to 1 m, the green stems turning brown below, usually

branched and well jointed, rooting from the bristly joints. LEAVES: Alternate,

nearly stalkless, the blade long and narrow to 11 cm, dark green,

narrowed at the base and clasping the stem in a well-developed sheath

with a long bristle-haired fringe; hairs along leaf edges and on veins below.

FLOWERS: Small white–pale pink–red sepals from red-brown bracts along

slender spikes, 2–9 cm, the axis looks zigzag on young heads. FRUIT: An

indehiscent nutlet, 3-sided, smooth and shiny, enclosed by the sepals.

COLOGY: Found in damp places, often growing in water, in swamps, 0–2,400 m.

Associated with Cyperus latifolius. Grows in black humid clay in or near water.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in all parts of Tanzania, including on Zanzibar and Pemba

Islands; also all over tropical Africa, from Eritrea and Ethiopia south to

Mozambique; also in tropical Asia, Australia and America; naturalized in

Madagascar.

SES:

Food:

The young leaves and shoots are collected, chopped, boiled and served with a

staple. It is mainly eaten as a famine food.

Medicinal:

– The ash obtained after burning the plant is licked in order to treat sore

throat and tonsillitis.

– A decoction from pounded leaves is used as a purgative. Leaves are crushed

and rubbed into the skin as a remedy for skin diseases.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used for fodder and ornamental purposes.

EASON: Collected in the dry season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local people.

TATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: Another species (P. pulchrum: Hehe: Nyakisumbi; Sambaa:

Lukantamila) has edible leaves that are used as a vegetable. The leaves are

also used to treat STDs. The leaves are pounded, soaked in water and the infusion

taken three times daily. The species is found throughout Tanzania, including

523

THE SPECIES

Zanzibar. It is also found in Kenya, Uganda, in tropical and subtropical Africa

and Asia.

Polygonum salicifolium (contd) Polygonaceae

P. pulchrum

P. salicifolium

Sheath

with hairs

Lens-shaped fruit

Flower with 5 sepals

524

THE SPECIES

Polysphaeria parvifolia Rubiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Sambaa: Mkame; Swahili: Mkanja, Mlapaa, Mrigi.

ESCRIPTION: A small tree or shrub 1–6 m, usually about 3 m, the slender stems

often with a few short hairs. The side branches arise just above the nodes.

BARK: Red-brown and peeling off in long strips from older stems. LEAVES:

Opposite, narrow oval to rounded, 5–9 cm long, tip usually pointed,

sometimes hairy below, base round to heart shaped, to a very short stalk, a pair

of tiny, undivided hairy stipules, 1 mm. FLOWERS: White, appearing with

the leaves in small stalkless clusters at the nodes, a calyx cup with equal

lobes and spreading hairs, the corolla tube to 4 mm, tube and style hairy,

throat hairy. FRUIT: Round berries to 1 cm across, in dense clusters,

orange-red when mature.

COLOGY: A shrub of dry evergreen forest, woodland, coastal bushland and scrub,

old plantations and abandoned cultivation sites, 0–1,400 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Mainly in coastal areas, including Zanzibar and Pemba, also in Kagera

Region; in coastal Kenya and in Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia.

SES:

Food:

Ripe fruits are collected from the tree and eaten fresh as a snack.

Medicinal: Roots are used as medicine for treatment of stomach-ache.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is hard and tough and is used for firewood, building poles,

pegs, tool handles and animal traps. The tree is used for shade and is a

source of bee forage.

EASON: Fruits are collected from April to June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by the local

people. It can be propagated by seed.

STATUS: Locally very common.

EMARKS: P. multiflora (Swahili: Mgudi) also has edible fruits. It is a shrub or

small tree, 1–3 m high, found in central, eastern and southern parts of Tanzania.

The species is also found in Kenya, the Comoro Islands, Mauritius and Somalia.

It is reported to be cultivated in Mauritius.

525

THE SPECIES

Polysphaeria parvifolia Rubiaceae

Fruiting branch

Flower enlarged and

opened

Fruit enlarged

Flowering branch

526

THE SPECIES

Portulaca oleracea Portulacaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Danga-danga, Tako-da-hasani; Digo: Tako-la-hasani;

English: Common purslane, Purslane; Maasai: Engaiyagut; Samba: Danga-

danga; Swahili: Tako la hasani; Zigua: Danga-danga.

ESCRIPTION: A low-growing fleshy annual herb, the numerous spreading fleshy

stems reddish, to 30 cm long. LEAVES: Alternate, succulent, flat and shiny,

spoon shaped, widest at the round tip, up to 3 cm long with a few 1 mm long

hairy stipules at the base, soon falling. FLOWERS: Bright yellow, about 1

cm across, with 5 petals, many central stamens and 2 sepals, opening in the

morning in bright sunshine for a few hours. Flowers 3–5 together in terminal

clusters, without stalks, surrounded by membranous scales and 2 or more

leaves. FRUIT: A round capsule opening transversely, the top falling off

like a small cap to set free many seeds.

COLOGY: Common in secondary regrowth after cultivation, as a cosmopolitan weed

of cultivation and in other disturbed areas, even on rocky ground with shallow

soils, doing well up to 2,000 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in many parts of Tanzania, e. g. in Tanga, Arusha, Morogoro,

Kilimanjaro and Shinyanga Regions. Found in Africa from Eritrea and Ethiopia

through East Africa south to Mozambique and South Africa.

SES:

Food:

Leaves and young shoots are collected, washed, chopped and cooked alone

or mixed with other local vegetables, and usually also with coconut milk,

onions, tomatoes and salt. It is then served with a staple (ugali, or bada—

ugali made from cassava flour).

Medicinal:

– The cooked vegetable is used as a remedy for constipation.

Commercial: Not marketed

Other: The plant is used for fodder and is suitable for ornamental purposes.

EASON: Leaves and young shoots are usually collected during the dry season when

other vegetables become scarce.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Usually collected from the wild, but can easily be propagated using

shoots and stem cuttings.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its habitat and is also regarded as a

troublesome weed.

EMARKS: This species has been cultivated in France, Denmark and the Nether-

lands, including some erect and improved cultivars. P. quadrifida is a related

527

THE SPECIES

species which is known and used in the same way as P. oleracea. It resembles P.

oleracea but has smaller leaves and is also widespread in Tanzania and Kenya.

Portulaca oleracea

(contd)

Portulacaceae

Fruit cluster

528

THE SPECIES

Pouteria adolfi-friedericii subsp. australis Sapotaceae

(Aningeria adolfi-friedericii)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bende: Kuti; Fipa: Mwengele; Sambaa: Kuti, Mkuti; Tongwe:

Mwale.

ESCRIPTION: A very tall tree, to 50 m, with a clear straight bole to about 16

m, topped by a relatively small dense crown, mature trees buttressed at the

base. BARK: Pale, grey-brown, smooth to lightly fissured, much white latex if

cut and an unpleasant smell. Flower and leaf stalks, buds and shoots covered

with golden-brown hairs. LEAVES: Stiff and large to 22 x 8 cm, usually

smaller, dark shiny green above, hairy and pale orange below, 10–20 pairs

prominent veins, the tip pointed, on a twisted stalk to 2 cm. FLOWERS: Cream-

green, very small, in clusters beside leaves, sepals and flower stalks brown,

hairy, soon falling to the ground. FRUIT: Hard, green, narrow, to 4 cm with

a beak, the soft hairy skin milky but inside is one shiny brown seed to 3 cm

long with a large white scar (hilum).

COLOGY: Generally, the species occurs in upland rainforest, frequently associated

with Podocarpus, rarely in riverine forest, 1,430–2,500 m.

DISTRIBUTION: In Tanzania this subspecies grows in Tanga Region, western areas

and in the Southern Highlands, e.g. in Mbeya, Tanga, Rukwa and Kigoma

Regions. Also found in Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, the Congo basin, Rwanda

and Sudan.

SES:

Food:

Seeds are pounded, boiled, the liquid filtered off and cooled. The oil which

floats to the top of the pot is then skimmed off and used for cooking. Ripe

fruit pulp is sweet and eaten raw.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for timber, firewood and charcoal. The tree is used for

shade.

EASON: Fruits are collected from January to June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild but can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Common and easily accessible within its habitat.

EMARKS: P. alnifolia (Malacantha alnifolia) (Luguru: Mgombogombo; Sambaa:

Mguoguo, Mnguoguo, Msambia-ongwe, Ngoma, Nguoguo, Nguru: Mguoguo;

Pangwa: Mpange; Swahili: Mguoguo; Tongwe: Mlale, Mulale) has similar

uses to P. adolfi-friedericii. It is a tree up to 25 m high with a fluted bole and

buttressed base found in Tanga and Morogoro Regions. It is also widespread

from Senegal to Sudan and south to Mozambique.

529

THE SPECIES

Pouteria adolfi-friedericii subsp. australis (contd)

Seeds and fruit (subsp.

adolphi-freidericii)

Leaf and flowering branchlet (subsp. keniensis)

Young flower

(subsp. keniensis)

530

THE SPECIES

Pouzolzia mixta (P. hypoleuca) Urticaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Mkaafuu; Hehe: Mtwaki; Sambaa: Mkaafuu.

ESCRIPTION: A deciduous perennial shrub, 1.5–3 m, with open branching stem,

soft, fleshy and juicy, the outer stalk fibrous and woody but a wide spongy

pith or hollow centre. BARK: Smooth iron-grey, “lumpy”. LEAVES: Alternate,

entire, the oval blade 2–8 cm, smaller at ends of branchlets, tip long pointed, a

hairy stalk, red-brown to 3 cm with a pair of pointed brown stipules at the

base, upper surface rough with both long and short hairs, lower surface

markedly white-silver with hairs (children stick woolly leaves together).

FLOWERS: Very small, stalkless, in dense axillary clusters beside new

leaves or in axils of fallen leaves, numerous male flowers, cream, hairy;

fewer green-yellow female flowers with deep red sepals. FRUIT: Smooth, shiny,

2.5 mm, dispersed within the persistent membranous flower parts, young fruits

pale yellow-green.

COLOGY: Wooded grassland, especially along edges of riverine forest or on rocky

outcrops, 100–1,200 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Widely distributed in Tanzania. Also found in Uganda, Ethiopia,

Sudan, south to South Africa and in Yemen.

USES:

Food:

Leaves are used as a vegetable. Tender leaves are collected, chopped and

cooked with coconut milk or pounded groundnuts. It is then served with

ugali or rice.

Medicinal: Adventitious roots are crushed and the jelly-like liquid obtained is

used to treat burns.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used as an ornamental and is a source of bee forage. The

fibre is used to make fishing nets and string.

EASON: Leaves are collected in the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Usually collected from the wild, but can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Locally common.

EMARKS: The hairs on the leaves cause itching. Once cultivated at Amani Botanical

Garden for its fibre.

531

THE SPECIES

Pouzolzia mixta (P. hypoleuca) Urticaceae

Lower and upper leaf surfaces

Leaf axil with stipule, male and female flowers

Female flower

Male bud

Flowering shoot

532

THE SPECIES

Pseudeminia comosa Papilionaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Nyamwezi: Limbizu.

ESCRIPTION: A strong climber 2–9 m, or forming a low tangled thicket, the slightly

ridged stems, arising from a tuberous rootstock, are usually rust coloured and

covered with bristly or soft hairs. LEAVES: 3 leaflets on long stalks 5–21 cm,

leaflets wide oval, the two outer leaflets unequal-sided, all about 3.5–13 cm

long and wide, base often rounded, the leaflets entire or 2–3 lobed, the

edge with widely spaced teeth, both sides lined with hairs, the lower

surface often silky silvery apart from rust-brown veins, pairs of narrow

pointed stipules at the base of the leaf stalk. FLOWERS: Pea shaped, the large

standard petal to 2.6 cm long, green to dull purple-brown outside, pale

violet inside, wings violet, keel violet tipped green. Flower head long

stalked, 4–42 cm, appearing terminal, flowers in pairs with conspicuous narrow

bracts and bracteoles, the short tubular calyx has 5 lobes drawn out

into long hairy points. FRUIT: Pods narrow oblong, flattened, to 2 cm

long, covered with long bristly hairs and soft short hairs, breaking open to set

free 2 rough brown-black seeds.

COLOGY: Bushland, Brachystegia woodland, old cultivation, 800–1,800 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in most parts of Tanzania except Tanga Region and the

Southern Highlands. Also in Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

USES:

Food:

Root tubers are dug up, peeled and chewed. The sweet juice is swallowed

and the remains spat out.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used for fodder and is suitable for ornamental purposes.

EASON: Tubers are dug up during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and is not cultivated or protected by the local

people. It can be propagated by seed.

STATUS: Locally common.

533

THE SPECIES

Pseudeminia comosa Papilionaceae

Unequal-sided

leaflet

Hairy calyx

around fruit pod

Seed

Calyx opened out

Flower

534

THE SPECIES

Pseudospondias microcarpa Anacardiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bende: Kashira-nguruwe; Ha: Mgwiza; Haya: Muziru, Omubolu,

Umubalu; Kuria: Muitinina, Mushiro; Tongwe: Buhono; Zinza: Mugomba.

ESCRIPTION: A large spreading tree 15–20 m, bole up to 2 m in diameter and

strongly buttressed, the trunk often irregular, twisted, the branches growing

near the base and often covered with epiphytic plants. BARK: Smooth and thin

when young, becoming yellow-grey and rough, flaking in large pieces. LEAVES:

Odd, pinnate, on stalks to 30 cm, with 2–8 pairs leaflets plus 1, each leaflet

stalked, rather stiff, oval 5–20 cm, base very unequal, tip long pointed,

darker above than below. Basal leaflets the smallest. FLOWERS: In loose

heads, 10–32 cm, beside leaves, the stalks dull red-brown, very small white

male and female flowers, parts in fours. FRUIT: A soft edible drupe to 2.5

cm, blue-black when ripe, the stone inside is 4-sided and contains the seeds.

COLOGY: Common on lake shores, rainforest edges, riverine and in swamp forests.

It occurs naturally at medium altitude, 900–1,700 m; rainfall 1,200–2,100 mm.

Thrives in well-drained loamy soil.

ISTRIBUTION: Only in western parts of Tanzania, e.g. in Mwanza, Kigoma, Kagera,

Rukwa and Mara Regions. Also in Kenya and Uganda and from Senegal to the

Sudan and south to Angola and Zambia.

SES:

Food:

Ripe fruits are sweet. They are collected and eaten fresh as a snack, mainly

by women and children as they collect firewood from the forests. It is eaten

occasionally and in moderate amounts.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The seeds are used to make beads. The wood, which is moderately soft,

is used for grain mortars, stools, water troughs and for making canoes. A

good tree for shade. The bark is pounded to produce a red paste which is

used for smearing on winnowing trays to make them grain proof (Tongwe).

EASON: Collected during the rainy season, September–December.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected in the wild and not cultivated or protected by local people,

but can be propagated from seed.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

535

THE SPECIES

Pseudospondias microcarpa Anacardiaceae

Fruit

Enlarged male

flowers

Female flower with

young fruit (enlarged)

536

THE SPECIES

Psorospermum febrifugum Clusiaceae (Guttiferae)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Mfwifwi; English: Christmas berry; Gorowa: Da-aahugmo;

Iraqw: Da-aaslsmo; Matengo: Kihibihibi, Kihivahivi; Ngindo: Kalijenge;

Nyamwezi: Msalunhunda; Nyaturu: Mofere; Rangi: Kibabibabi; Sambaa:

Mkandandogowe; Swahili: Mchakwe; Tongwe: Kangululungululu; Zigua:

Mhelahela.

ESCRIPTION: A shrub or tree 1.5–6 m. BARK: Grey-brown, rough, rather corky,

flaking and peeling in strips. LEAVES: Opposite, broad oval, usually 3–7 cm,

tip pointed or blunt, dotted with translucent glands, almost stalkless, the

lower surface covered with rusty star-like hairs, upper surface a dark

shiny green with a clear vein network. FLOWERS: Inconspicuous, sweet

smelling, cream-white, only 6–8 mm across, in branched heads to 4 cm,

5 outer sepals, usually densely hairy and glandular, the 5 hairy petals inside,

with many stamens. FRUIT: Round berries 6–10 mm, bright to dark red,

topped by the style, in terminal clusters.

COLOGY: Deciduous woodland, wooded or more open grassland over a wide range

of altitude, 0–2,000 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in most parts of Tanzania except the northern and Tanga

areas. Also in Uganda and Kenya, and widespread in tropical Africa.

USES:

Food:

Fruits are edible. Ripe fruits are collected from the tree and eaten fresh.

They are sweet and are much favoured by children and herdsmen.

Medicinal:

– Roots and leaves are boiled and the juice is drunk to treat leprosy.

– The bark is dried, pounded, mixed with ghee or oil and rubbed into the skin

of a person suffering from scabies.

– Roots are also used as a mouthwash for tongue diseases and a gargle for

tonsillitis.

Commercial: Sold locally.

Other: The wood is used for fuel and tool handles. The bark yields a yellow

dye. The tree is used for ornamental purposes and bee forage.

EASON: Ripe fruits are collected in November and December.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not cultivated. Can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Locally common.

537

THE SPECIES

Psorospermum febrifugum Clusiaceae (Guttiferae)

Fresh and dry seeds

Rusty star-like hairs

on lower surface

Flowering heads

Enlarged flower and section

Berry fruit

538

THE SPECIES

Psydrax parviflora subsp. rubrocostata Rubiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Gogo: Msechela; Haya: Mshangati; Kerewe: Mkome, Muebe;

Luguru: Msada; Meru: Omemuta; Safwa: Livilo; Zinza: Mgongo,

Mkomambuzi, Mshangule.

ESCRIPTION: An evergreen shrub or tall tree 2–27 m, the bole sometimes fluted.

BARK: Slightly cracked, brown to light grey, a distinctive almond smell if cut.

LEAVES: Well spaced along the stem, opposite, long oval, 5–15 cm, with a

clear pointed tip, stiff, shiny above, the midrib paler, sometimes red, 4–8

main side nerves with hairy pockets in the angle with the midrib below,

a stalk to 1 cm with a pair of triangular stipules, to 7 mm, clasping the

base. FLOWERS: Tiny, cream-white, in dense stalked heads to 6 cm across,

20–100 flowers, each tubular with a ring of hairs inside as well as a hairy

throat, the 8 mm style longer than the 4 corolla lobes. FRUIT: Round to

two-lobed, soft and black, 5–8 mm long, 8–14 mm wide, 1–2 seeded and

sometimes almost split in two.

COLOGY: A species of moist lowland forests and montane rainforests, 0–2,800 m.

ISTRIBUTION: In Tanzania found, for example, at Narok in Arusha Region, Nyumba

Nyitu in Iringa Region, Mbeya Peak in Mbeya Region, near Hululu Falls in

Bunduki Forest Reserve (Morogoro Region), in coastal areas and on Zanzibar

and Pemba Islands. Also found in Kenya, Uganda and Malawi.

SES:

Food:

Ripe fruits are picked from the tree and eaten fresh as a snack. They are

much liked by children and forest workers.

Medicinal:

– The fruits are used as medicine for coughs and colds.

– Roots are cooked with animal soup (meat and bones) and taken as a treat-

ment for intestinal worms and general body pains.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for timber, firewood, charcoal and tool handles. The

tree is used for shade, as an ornamental and is a source of bee forage.

EASON: Ripe fruits are collected from January to May.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not planted. The species can be propagated

by seed.

STATUS: Locally common.

539

THE SPECIES

Psydrax parviflora subsp. rubrocostata Rubiaceae

Fruit

Triangular stipules

Flower head

540

THE SPECIES

Pupalia lappacea var. velutina Amaranthaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Mamata; Hehe: Lulyamindi; Iraqw: Mumuhai; Nyamwezi:

Ilamata; Sambaa: Mamata; Swahili: Mnasa nguo; Zaramo: Mnamata; Zigua:

Mamata.

ESCRIPTION: A small hairy herb, usually sprawling along the ground, annual or

perennial. LEAVES: Opposite, long oval to rounded, to 10 cm long, the tip

rounded, narrowed at the base to a short stalk, hairy both sides. FLOWERS:

Very small and papery, yellow-purple-red, in alternate clusters to 13 mm

across, along terminal spikes, each fertile flower has a pair of sterile flowers

either side, the cluster soon becomes surrounded by very pale hooked bristles,

spreading like a star as the stalk lengthens. FRUIT: Ovoid capsules, only 2.5

mm, containing a shiny brown seed.

COLOGY: A plant of dry bushland, the spiny burrs easily catching on passing

animals, including people, 0–2,100 m.

DISTRIBUTION: In all parts of Tanzania; also occurs in Kenya and most of Uganda.

Widespread in tropical Africa north to Egypt, also in South Africa, Madagascar,

the Arabian peninsular and Asia as far east as the Philippines.

SES:

Food:

Tender leaves are collected, chopped, washed and cooked. Pounded ground-

nuts or coconut milk are added and then served with ugali or rice.

Medicinal: Roots are used as medicine for STDs and snakebite and as a pur-

gative. The roots are boiled and the infusion drunk three times a day.

Other: Leaves and stems are used as fodder.

Commercial: Not marketed.

EASON: Leaves are collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Usually collected from the wild. The plant can be propagated by

seed.

STATUS: Locally common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: Regarded as a serious weed but is also believed to be an indicator of

fertile soils in areas where it grows.

541

THE SPECIES

Pupalia lappacea var. velutina Amaranthaceae

Flower clusters

Open flower

One fertile, two

sterile flowers

Part of fruiting head to

show hooked bristles

542

THE SPECIES

Pygmaeothamnus zeyheri Rubiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Dwarf medlar; Hehe: Kindokoli, Kitokoli; Matengo:

Maboya, Mandungu; Nyamwezi: Mpenzwa.

DESCRIPTION: A low shrub with creeping underground stolons sending out 3–6

annual woody stems to 30 cm high, forming a bushy ground cover over a

considerable area; stems may be reddish and hairy. LEAVES: Rather large,

shiny green, 4–12 cm, long oval and wider at the tip, upper leaves tips

pointed, lower more rounded, opposite or in whorls of 3–4, usually erect and

stiff, a few bristly yellow hairs both sides, tapering to the base into a bristly

stalk to 1 cm; triangular bristle-tipped stipules, 5 mm. FLOWERS: Small, about

1 cm, faintly scented, tubular, green-yellow-cream, few to 40, together

from lower axils, on much-branched stalks to 4 cm, calyx tube 8 mm, with

bristle hairs, buds slender, pointed, corolla tubular with 5 reflexed lobes.

FRUIT: A fleshy yellow drupe, somewhat pear shaped, flattened to 3 cm

long, usually with 1 seed.

COLOGY: Wooded grasslands, other types of grassland, sometimes stony, 1,200–

1,400 m.

DISTRIBUTION: In Tanzania it is found in Kagera, Shinyanga, Tabora and Kigoma

Regions. Also in Burundi and the Congo basin and south to South Africa.

USES:

Food:

Ripe fruits are fleshy and eaten raw as a snack. They are sweet and much

liked by children and herdsmen.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is good for ornamental purposes.

EASON: Collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated. It can be propagated by

seeds and suckers.

STATUS: Locally common.

543

THE SPECIES

Pygmaeothamnus zeyheri Rubiaceae

Enlarged flower and bud

Fruiting branch

Flowering branch

544

THE SPECIES

Pyrostria bibracteata Rubiaceae

(Canthium bibracteatum)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Pare: Mpwizopwizo; Rufiji: Mkonge; Sambaa: Mshizo; Swahili:

Mfupapo, Mkonge; Tongwe: Mbunisigo; Zaramo: Mkonge.

DESCRIPTION: An evergreen shrub or tree 2–10 m, often with horizontal branching.

BARK: Pale grey. LEAVES: Opposite, rather large, long oval to 12 cm long

with reddish midribs and 4–5 pairs of lateral nerves, leaves dull stiff and

papery, turning brown black as they dry, base narrowed to a short stalk.

FLOWERS: Green-white-yellow in dense clusters of 4–30, almost

stalkless, beside leaves, each flower 4–5 mm, petals woolly inside, flowers

surrounded by paired, pointed bracts. FRUIT: Rounded berries, yellow-red

turning black, to 8 mm across, containing one seed.

COLOGY: In bushland, bushed grassland or secondary bushland, in woodland or

on forest edges at low altitudes, 0–900 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in coastal areas and low altitudes of Tanzania, including

Zanzibar, coastal Kenya, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Madagascar and Seychelles.

USES:

Food:

Ripe fruits are fleshy, sweet and eaten raw as a snack. They are collected in

handfuls and eaten.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is hard and used for building poles, withies, pegs, tool handles

and fuelwood. The tree is used for shade, as an ornamental and is a source

of bee forage.

EASON: Fruits are collected from April to June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated. It can be propagated by

seed.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

545

THE SPECIES

Pyrostria bibracteata (contd) Rubiaceae

Fruit

Flower clusters

546

THE SPECIES

Raphia farinifera Arecaceae (Palmae)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Haya: Muhunge, Umondo; Nyamwezi: Mkamilila, Mukamilila;

Sangu: Livale; Swahili: Mwale.

ESCRIPTION: A massive palm growing in clusters in swamp forest, reaching 25 m

but usually much less; the trunk 60 cm or more across and to 10 m high, cov-

ered with large leaf bases, old rotting ones, plant debris and epiphytes. LEAVES:

Pinnate and erect, only slightly spreading, to 8 m long, usually less, the base

sheathing the stem. The leaf stalk very strong, orange-brown to crimson

when young, cylindrical, to 1.5 m long and 20 cm diameter at the base,

narrowing to 12 cm across where leaflets arise; 150 or more leaflets grow in

2 planes, each to 1 m long x 8 cm wide, edged with little spines, drooping only

very slightly or rather stiff. Leaflets -shaped in cross-section (reduplicate).

FLOWERS: Male and female on the same plant, grow in massive hanging

heads from the stem apex, to 3 m x 35 cm. After flowering, the plant dies,

often the majority in an area dying in the same year. FRUIT: Shiny orange-

brown and ovoid (like a cone), about 10 cm long x 5 cm across, with 12–

13 rows of tightly packed convex scales. Inside an oily layer and one seed about

5 cm long, shaped like the fruit.

COLOGY: Widespread in gallery forests, freshwater swamp forest, along river banks

and in the western shoreline forests of Lake Victoria, 0–2,500 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in Tanga Region and other coastal areas of Tanzania and in

the Southern Highlands as well as on Zanzibar and Pemba Islands. Also in

Uganda, Kenya, throughout southern tropical Africa and on Madagascar.

SES:

Food:

Fruits are crushed in a mortar, water added, boiled and left to cool. The

floating oil is then skimmed off and used in cooking.

Other: The outer layer of the young leaflets is easily removed and makes ex-

cellent fibre for string, ropes, baskets and mats—the raffia of commerce. The

strong midrib is used locally for rafters, chairs, ladders, etc.

Commercial: Not marketed.

EASON: Collected all year round.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Fruits are collected from the wild, and in Tanzania the palm is not

cultivated or protected by local people. It can, however, be grown as individual

plants or in a plantation on raised ground as long as there is good moisture in

the soil and the climate is conducive to its growth. Propagated by use of seed-

lings.

TATUS: Common and easily accessible.

547

THE SPECIES

Raphia farinifera Arecaceae (Palmae)

Massive flowering head

Fruit

Enlarged part of flower head

548

THE SPECIES

Rhus natalensis Anacardiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Arusha: Ormisigiyoi; Chagga: Mpungulu; Chasi: Sasakimo; Digo:

Mbwananyahi, Mgwanyahi; Fipa: Msangula; Haya: Msagara, Omusheshe;

Hehe: Mtunumbi; Iraqw: Datei, Mstunga, Sirongi; Kerewe: Musheshe; Kuria:

Msangura; Maasai: Olmesigie, Ilmisigiyo (plural), Olmisigiyoi, Ormisigiyoi;

Rangi: Msakasaka, Muizi; Sambaa: Mhunguru, Mhunguru-mhomba;

Sukuma: Mhunguru; Swahili: Mkono chuma, Mkumba, Mkuna chuma,

Mtishangwe, Mvunja kondo; Zinza: Msense.

ESCRIPTION: A many-branched shrub or tree, sometimes tending to scramble, up

to 8 m in height. BARK: Grey, often almost white, branchlets pale and dotted

with breathing pores, branches angular. LEAVES: 3-foliate, the central leaflet

largest, to 9 cm, usually dark green, rather leathery, hairless, sometimes

toothed, very variable, wider towards the tip, narrowed to the base, on a

stalk 2–4 cm. FLOWERS: Green-yellow with tiny flowers in loose heads to 15

cm. FRUIT: Oblong to bean shaped, smooth, red with thin flesh and a waxy

covering, about 5 mm, edible. The dry papery fruit soon fall.

COLOGY: Deciduous and evergreen savanna bushland and woodland, riverine

vegetation, forest edges. Often found on well-drained slopes, 0–3,000 m; rain-

fall 1,000–1,400 mm. Tolerates a wide range of soil types.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in all parts of Tanzania, including on Zanzibar and Pemba

Islands. From Guinea to Somalia and the Arabian peninsular, southwards to

South Africa.

SES:

Food:

Both the green and ripe fruits are collected in handfuls and eaten fresh as a

snack, especially by hunters. They taste acid but are refreshing. Eaten occa-

sionally in moderate quantities. Fruits are also used in brewing local alco-

holic beverages.

Medicinal:

– Roots are pounded and boiled and the decoction used to treat gonorrhoea,

colds, abdominal pains and hookworm.

– Leaves are crushed and put in a bath for women with prolapsed uterus.

Leaves are pounded, soaked in hot water and the resulting liquid used to

treat coughs.

Other: The wood is used for firewood, tool handles and charcoal. Leaves and

fruits are used for fodder.

EASON: Fruits are collected in the dry season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local peo-

ple. It can be propagated by seed.

549

THE SPECIES

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

Rhus natalensis (contd) Anacardiaceae

Fruiting branch

550

THE SPECIES

Rhus vulgaris Anacardiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Lidzadzi; Chagga: Mpungulu, Nyungu; Digo: Mbwananyahi;

Gorowa: Datlaii; Ha: Umukeri; Haya: Umusagara; Hehe: Muhehefu; Iraqw:

Datlaii; Isanzu: Mbulagankuku; Maasai: Emungushi, Engarachi, Ilmisigyio

(plural), Msigwe, Olmisigiyioi, Ormisigiyoi; Matengo: Mkenekene; Rangi:

Msakasaka, Muizi, Mwiizi; Sambaa: Mtuntano; Swahili: Mkono chuma, Mlama

mwitu, Mlishangwe, Mrinja kondo; Wanji: Lisekelu.

ESCRIPTION: A hairy multi-branched shrub or tree, 1–9 m. BARK: Smooth, dark

brown, branches yellow-red-brown, often densely hairy. LEAVES: 3 leaflets,

dull green, softly hairy, the central leaflet larger, 4–11 cm long x 2–6.5 cm

wide, the two laterals smaller, shortly stalked, edge entire or soft toothed

towards the tip, which is blunt or pointed, leaflets dark above, paler below.

FLOWERS: Small cream-green-yellow, parts in fives, in terminal loose heads

or from upper leaf axils, 5–20 cm long, all densely hairy. FRUIT: Drupes, with

thin flesh, flat and round, red-brown, only 3–5 mm across.

COLOGY: Common in upland evergreen bushland, forest edges, lake shore, river

banks, savanna woodlands and bushland, often in thickets or on termite mounds.

It occurs naturally both on hill slopes and in valleys, 800–2,700 m; rainfall

1,000–1,700 mm. Thrives in yellow sandy loams, but tolerates many soil types.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in all parts of Tanzania; Uganda and Kenya and from

Cameroon to Ethiopia and south to Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia and Zimba-

bwe.

SES:

Food:

The tiny fruits are occasionally eaten in handfuls as a snack. They can be

eaten unripe or ripe, often both mixed together. The unripe fruit are green

and have a refreshing but slightly acidic taste, whereas the ripe red-to-black

fruits are sweet.

Medicinal:

– Fruits are pounded, boiled and the decoction drunk to treat diarrhoea.

– Roots are pounded and the powder cooked with porridge which is then drunk

to treat gonorrhoea.

– The bark is boiled and the decoction used as a wash for wounds.

– The leaves are pounded and used as a treatment for piles.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for firewood and charcoal. Stems are used for tooth-

brushes.

EASON: Fruits are collected at the end of the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

551

THE SPECIES

MANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local peo-

ple, but can be propagated using fresh seed.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: R. longipes (Arusha: Emusigiloi; Barabaig: Sirong; Gorowa:

Aambalangw, Datei, Datlii; Iraqw: Ambalaki; Matengo: Mkenikeni; Rangi:

Mukundi; Swahili: Mchengele; Wanji: Lisekeru-dume) is a shrub or tree up to

12 m high with small edible fruit. The species is widespread in Tanzania. It is

also found in Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and south to South Africa.

Rhus vulgaris (contd) Anacardiaceae

Flowering shoot

Part of fruiting head

552

THE SPECIES

Ricinodendron heudelotii subsp. africanum Euphorbiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Cork-wood tree; Luguru: Mkungunolo; Mwera:

Mkangaula; Ngindo: Nnjunju; Nguu: Mtondoro; Sambaa: Mtondoro; Swahili:

Maua, Muawa; Tongwe: Sitobaga; Zigua: Mtwatwa.

ESCRIPTION: A deciduous tree 25–40 m, with a very straight trunk, over 1 m across

in large specimens. The spreading rounded crown is fairly open, sometimes

with short buttresses at the base. Young trees have whorled branches arch-

ing upwards. Branchlets to 1 cm thick, densely brown hairy when

young. BARK: Grey-brown, thin and smooth at first, becoming scaly and dark

with age. LEAVES: Compound digitate with 3–6 leaflets like fingers, the larg-

est central leaflets 10–30 cm long, the tip long and pointed, narrowed to the

base and hardly stalked, the edge with small black glandular teeth, often

silvery hairs below. At the base of the leaf stalk are fan-shaped leafy stipules

with deeply toothed edges. FLOWERS: Green-white-yellow and small. Male

heads 15–30 cm and female heads shorter and denser, 6–10 cm. FRUIT: Cap-

sules 4–5 cm across, 2–3 lobed, green-yellow, slightly fleshy and smelling of

rotten apples; containing 2–3 red-brown-black seeds, rounded and flat, over 1

cm across.

COLOGY: Evergreen forest and secondary associations, 100–1,200 m. A light-de-

manding tree of lower altitude tropical rainforests. Common in gaps and at

forest edges.

ISTRIBUTION: Subsp. africanum is found in Tanga Region and other eastern and

southern areas of Tanzania; also in Uganda, and from Nigeria eastwards to

Sudan, south to Angola, Mozambique. (A var. tomentellum is restricted to coastal

Kenya and Tanzania.)

SES:

Food:

Seeds produce edible oil. The seeds are pounded, boiled and cooled. The float-

ing oil is skimmed off, boiled and filtered and used for cooking. Seeds may

also be pounded and the powder used for making porridge in times of food

shortage.

Medicinal: Roots are used by the Sambaa to treat diarrhoea and constipation.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is very soft and perishable but is used for domestic utensils

such as spoons, cups, bowls and plates. The oil produced from seeds is used

in soap making.

EASON: Fruits are collected from October to December.

TORAGE: Dried seeds can be stored for several months.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated. The species can be propa-

gated by seed.

553

THE SPECIES

Ricinodendron heudelotii subsp. africanum Euphorbiaceae

Flowering shoot and a leaf

Persistent leafy stipules

Female flower

(enlarged)

Fruit capsules

554

THE SPECIES

STATUS: Occasional within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: R. rautanenii is used in the same way as R. heudelotii and bears the

same local names. It is a tree up to 25 m high found in Morogoro and Lindi

Regions. Also found in Angola, Namibia and Mozambique. It has an edible

floury pulp, green or red when fresh, surrounding a very hard brown nut,

which contains a single pale seed from which a yellow oil can be extracted.

Found in open deciduous woodland, 200–500 m, usually on well-drained soils.

The fruit are eaten by wild game, and elephant like the bark. The pale yellow

timber is very light and can be used for packing cases. Fresh pulp can be dried

and pounded to a flour and used to make porridge.

Ricinodendron heudelotii subsp. africanum (contd)

R. rautanenii

555

THE SPECIES

Ricinodendron heudelotii subsp. africanum (contd)

R. rautanenii

Hard brown stones contain

the seed kernel

Soft fruit covering on

stone partly removed

Buds

Young fruit

556

THE SPECIES

Ritchiea albersii Capparidaceae (Capparaceae)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Sambaa: Mwaza-njama, Mwooza-nyama; Swahili: Mdudu.

ESCRIPTION: A shrub or small tree, 2–15 m, the stems arising from underground

tubers. BARK: Smooth, grey. LEAVES: Compound, with 1–5 shortly stalked

leaflets, each long oval, 5–17 cm, the tip long pointed with a hair, the main

stalk to 10 cm long. FLOWERS: Green and white in terminal groups of 3–

10 flowers, 4 sepals, thin petals to 4.5 cm long from a cup-shaped recep-

tacle, many stamens to 4 cm, the ovary stalk more than 2 cm. FRUIT: A brown

long-oval capsule, to 4.5 cm, slightly grooved, eventually splitting to release

seeds.

COLOGY: Upland rainforest, often at margins, less common in rainforest at lower

altitudes and in evergreen thicket, 1,100–2,400 m.

DISTRIBUTION: In Tanzania found, for example, in Kigoma, Tanga, Kilimanjaro,

Iringa and Arusha Regions. Also in Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan, west to

Nigeria and south to South Africa.

SES:

Food:

– Root tubers are dug up, peeled, soaked in water for several days and dried in

the sun. The dried tubers are pounded into flour which is used to make

porridge.

– Tubers are peeled and cooked. The water is drained several times in order to

reduce the concentration of toxic constituents before eating them with tea.

This is a famine food.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used for shade and ornamental purposes. The wood is used

for firewood and to make tool handles.

EASON: Tubers are dug up during the rainy season.

TORAGE: The flour made from pounded roots can be stored for several weeks.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not cultivated. Propagation can be done

using seed and cuttings.

STATUS: Occasional within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: The tubers are known to be toxic if not well prepared.

557

THE SPECIES

Ritchiea albersii Capparidaceae (Capparaceae)

Fruit and group of seeds

Enlarged flower

Flowering branch

558

THE SPECIES

Rothmannia engleriana Rubiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Hehe: Mkumba, Mpumba; Matengo: Mpumba; Nyamwezi:

Mkondokondo, Mlozilozi, Mutwinya; Nyaturu: Mupumba; Sangu: Mpumba;

Sukuma: Mkondokondo; Zinza: Muharangundo.

ESCRIPTION: A small, spindly tree, 2–9 m, with light branching, often whorled,

giving a rounded or flat-topped crown. BARK: Young shoots with soft hairs.

Older branches with cracked reddish bark, becoming dark brown and scaly

with age. LEAVES: Usually in opposite pairs but clustered at branch tips,

occasionally in threes, oval 9–30 cm long, shiny, leathery and stiff, a few

hairs below, wider at the tip, base narrowed to a short stalk up to 1.5 cm, often

drying yellow-green. FLOWERS: Sweet scented, large, white and trumpet

shaped, hanging down in terminal heads with 3–17 flowers, the 5 corolla

lobes overlap left in bud, surrounded by the tubular calyx with yellow hairs,

each flower to 8 cm long, the lobes 3 cm long, shiny white inside, dotted with

red-purple spots but yellow hairy outside. FRUIT: Round to oval, 2–4.6 cm,

covered with soft dark orange hairs, containing many brown seeds sur-

rounded by soft edible pulp. The calyx remains attached.

COLOGY: Common in Brachystegia woodland, 1,100–1,900 m.

ISTRIBUTION: All inland parts of Tanzania. Also in parts of Central Africa, south to

Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia and Angola.

USES:

Food:

– The ripe fruit pulp is juicy and edible. The hard pericarp is broken and the

soft endocarp sucked out. Ripe fruits are very sweet and have a fragrant

and sweet smell. They are eaten as a snack and much liked by children.

– The pulp is soaked in warm water, squeezed, sugar added and the liquid

filtered. This refreshing juice can then be drunk before or after being cooled.

Medicinal: Roots are chewed and swallowed or pounded and soaked in cold

water and the infusion used to treat snakebite and stomach-ache.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for firewood and to make tool handles and spoons.

EASON: Ripe fruits are collected from July to September.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not cultivated. It can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Locally common.

559

THE SPECIES

Rothmannia engleriana Rubiaceae

Flowering branch

Fruit section

Fruit

Mature flower

Enlarged flower section

560

THE SPECIES

Rourea orientalis Connaraceae

(Byrsocarpus orientalis)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Hombo-kisogo, Kisogo; Digo: Kisogo; Hehe: Liyenzi;

Sambaa: Kisogo; Swahili: Msogo; Zaramo: Kisogo, Mhombo; Zigua: Kisogo.

DESCRIPTION: A deciduous shrub or small tree to 6 m, sometimes a climber, the

branches red-grey-brown with clear breathing pores, almost without hairs.

LEAVES: Alternate, compound, odd pinnate with 6–14 pairs of leaflets,

more or less opposite along the 25 cm stalk, with a terminal leaflet,

each one long oval to 4 cm, the tip blunt, the base somewhat rounded. FLOW-

ERS: Present before leaves appear, white-yellow, fragrant, on axillary

stalks to 5 cm, bearing several flowers, 5 tiny sepals, 5 long narrow petals

about 1 cm, 10 central stamens. FRUIT: Yellow-red and oval (a follicle), 2 cm

long x 1 cm across, enclosed in a soft bright red aril. The whole folicle opens on

one side to set free black seed.

COLOGY: Forest edges, woodland, bushland, 0–2,000 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in many parts of Tanzania, including Zanzibar. Also in coastal

Kenya, south to Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Angola.

USES:

Food:

Leaves are collected, dried in the sun and then pounded and sieved. The

powder is steeped in hot water, stirred and boiled to form a thick vegetable

paste which may be mixed with pounded groundnuts and eaten along with

ugali or bada (Sambaa, Zigua).

Medicinal: A decoction of the roots is used as a remedy for diarrhoea, STDs

and blockage of the urethra. Also used as a prophylactic against tick fever

and for treating headaches.

Commercial: The vegetable powder is sold in local markets (Bondei, Sambaa).

Other: The wood is used for firewood. The plant is used for ornamental pur-

poses and is a source of bee forage.

EASON: Leaves are collected from November to June.

TORAGE: In the powdered form the vegetable can be stored for several months.

ANAGEMENT: Leaves are collected from the wild as the tree is not planted. How-

ever, it can easily be propagated by seed and cuttings.

STATUS: Locally common.

EMARKS: A popular and easily prepared vegetable among the Bondei, Sambaa

and Zigua people.

561

THE SPECIES

Rourea orientalis Connaraceae

(Byrsocarpus orientalis)

Mature leaves and fruit

Variation in leaflet shape

Section of flower

with long stamens

Mature fruit and seed

562

THE SPECIES

Rubia cordifolia Rubiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Ukakaka; Chagga: Kichangoru, Kitariche, Pare: Ndusi;

Sambaa: Lukaka, Mguira, Ukakaka; Swahili: Kifundo, Ukakaka; Zigua:

Ukakaka.

ESCRIPTION: A climbing, scrambling or creeping herb, the brittle branched stems

up to 6 m, having quite strong recurved prickles on the 4 ribs and hairs

as well, stems woody at the base. LEAVES: Very distinctive, in whorls of 4

(without stipular sheaths in between), blades narrow or wide oval, 0.7–

8.5 cm long, tip long pointed, base heart shaped to relatively long stalks,

blade rough hairy above, young leaves white hairy below, edges with curved

prickles, 5–7 clear nerves from the base. FLOWERS: Very small, on stalks be-

side leaves, to 2.5 cm, the 5-part corolla yellow-green-cream, bud tips pink-

purple, 4–6 mm wide. FRUIT: Pairs of fleshy berries round black lobes, each

5 mm across, sometimes only one.

COLOGY: Mostly at forest edges in clearings or thickets, in riverine bushland in

dry areas, even open grassland and bushland, scrubland and rocky gullies,

1,100–2,600 m.

ISTRIBUTION: In all parts of Tanzania. Also in Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, Somalia,

and south to South Africa.

USES:

Food:

Leaves and stems are collected and roasted or burnt to ashes. The ash is

soaked in water and filtered. The filtered solution is used to soften other

vegetables when cooking. Alternatively, the ash may be used as a substitute

for sodium bicarbonate.

Medicinal:

– Leaves and stems are pounded and soaked in cold water. The infusion is

used to treat diarrhoea and stomach-ache.

– Roots are pounded, boiled and the decoction used as an antidote for general

poisoning and stomach disorders. It is also gargled to treat toothache and

mouth sores.

Other: The roots produce a black dye. The plant can be used for ornamental

purposes.

EASON: Leaves are collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: The ash from burnt plants can be stored for several months.

ANAGEMENT: The plant is only collected from the wild. It can be propagated by

seed and cuttings.

STATUS: Locally common.

EMARKS: Well known as a troublesome weed on farms.

563

THE SPECIES

Rubia cordifolia Rubiaceae

Enlarged flower and fruit

Variable leaves

Recurved prickles

on stem

Flowering shoots

Climbing habit

564

THE SPECIES

Rubus apetalus (R. adolfi-friedericii) Rosaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Mshaa; Chagga: Iwero; Hehe: Lidung’o, Lumwino,

Mdung’o; Maasai: Ngayakuji; Matengo: Utongonya; Pare: Mtelia; Sambaa:

Mshaa; Swahili: Utonge; Wanji: Lidoni.

ESCRIPTION: A scrambling shrub 1–3 m, the tangled hairy stems well armed

with hooked prickles 2–6 mm long, a very variable species. LEAVES: Com-

pound, 3–7 leaflets, often trifoliate, each leaflet oval and pointed, the base

straight, the edges well toothed, a terminal leaflet reaching 4–10 cm, dull

or hairy grey-green above and more or less grey-white and hairy be-

low. FLOWERS: Small, 6–9 mm, in loose terminal heads, 3–21 cm, cylindri-

cal and hairy, longer than the leaves, each flower has 5 faintly scented

pink-white petals, or none, falling early, sepals 6–7 mm. FRUIT: More

than 40 single-seeded fleshy drupes make a compound fruit to 1.5 cm long,

hairy or not, falling with the receptacle, green-yellow-red, ripening purple-

black and all stages seen together.

COLOGY: Edges of forest clearings, secondary bush and grassland, riverine forest,

upland grassland, roadsides, often forming thickets, 1,400–2,700 m.

DISTRIBUTION: In most parts of Tanzania except the dry central areas. Found, for

example, in Kagera, Kilimanjaro, Tanga and Rukwa Regions. Also in Uganda,

Kenya; from West Africa to Ethiopia and in most of southern Africa.

SES:

Food:

Ripe fruits are collected in handfuls and eaten raw as a snack. They are

much liked by people of all ages. Both jam and juice are also made from ripe

fruits.

Medicinal:

– Ripe fruits are boiled in water, stirred and filtered. Sugar is added and

the liquid drunk to treat anaemia.

– An infusion from leaves is used for treating diabetes.

Commercial: Sold in local and urban markets.

Other: The fruits are used for fodder. The plant is used for ornamental pur-

poses and for boundary marking.

EASON: Ripe fruits are collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: The jam can be stored.

ANAGEMENT: Usually collected from the wild, but can also be propagated by seed

or suckers and planted in the gardens.

STATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: The different Rubus species are all very similar, giving rise to confusion

565

THE SPECIES

Rubus apetalus (R. adolfi-friedericii) (contd)

Older pinnate

leaves

in taxonomy, and the same local names. Several species apart from R. apetalus

have edible fruits, including the following:

1. R. rigidus (Bondei: Mshaa; Chagga: Iwero; Hehe: Lidung’o; Swahili: Utonge;

Wanji: Lidoni; Zigua: Mshaa) a scrambling shrub up to 3 m high with pink

flowers and small edible fruits. This species is widespread in Tanzania, Kenya,

Uganda and other parts of Africa;

2. R. steudneri (Matengo: Utongonya; Sambaa: Mshaa) with the same vernacu-

lar names as R. rigidus, a hairy scrambler with grey-green stems up to 4 m in

height and dark red to black fruits. It is found in Morogoro, Kilimanjaro, Iringa

and Tanga Regions. It is also found in Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia.

Flowers and fruit

R. steudneri

Flowers

Ripe fruit

Younger leaves

often trifoliate

R. apetalus

566

THE SPECIES

Rumex abyssinicus Polygonaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Mdoda; Bondei: Nywanywa; Chagga: Kiweriweri; Hehe:

Lipembapemba; Sambaa: Gentamana, Mnywanywa, Nywanywa; Swahili:

Mchachu, Mchumvichumvi; Zigua: Nywanywa.

ESCRIPTION: A large, stout erect perennial herb to 4 m tall, the stem green-red,

to 3 cm wide at the base, with conspicuous sheathing stipules where leaves

emerge from the stems. LEAVES: Large and soft, to 30 cm long x 20 cm

wide, somewhat triangular with large, spreading basal lobes (variable

in shape), on a stalk to 14 cm, the lower stalks sometimes larger than the

leaves. FLOWERS: A large much-branched erect loose head to 40 cm long

x 25 cm across, tiny flowers on delicate stalks, green-brown-red, no petals

but six sepals, about 1 mm, the 3 inner sepals winged. FRUIT: The inner

sepals enlarge to 4–6 mm, becoming almost circular, net-veined, en-

closing the 3-sided shiny brown nutlet.

COLOGY: Does well in grassland, woodland and bushland, but most abundant in

the highlands where it may form thickets, 700–2,300 m; rainfall 1,100–2,200

mm. Thrives in volcanic soils and sandy loams.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania. Also in Kenya and Uganda and occurs in

most tropical African highlands; also in Madagascar.

USES:

Food:

The young stems and leaves are collected and eaten fresh. They are usually

eaten by herders, farmers and children. They taste acidic and are eaten as a

snack.

Medicinal:

– Pounded roots are used as a poultice for wounds. Roots are pounded and

soaked in cold water. The infusion is drunk to treat stomach-ache and to

relieve flatulence and indigestion.

– Tender leaves and stems are pounded and the juice drunk to treat pneumo-

nia and coughs.

– Pounded leaves are used for dressing wounds.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: Crushed leaves are used to remove grease and for cleaning brass. It is

also used for fodder.

EASON: Leaves are collected in the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local peo-

ple. It can be propagated by seed and suckers.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

567

THE SPECIES

Rumex abyssinicus Polygonaceae

Various leaf shapes

Enlarged fruit: a winged nutlet

568

THE SPECIES

Rumex usambarensis Polygonaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Mdoda; Bondei: Nywanywa; Chagga: Kiweriweri; English:

Sorrel; Hehe: Linyimbili; Maasai: Enkaisijoi, Enkaiswishoi; Sambaa:

Gentamana, Nywanywa; Swahili: Mchachu, Mchumvichumvi; Zigua:

Nywanywa.

ESCRIPTION: A weak hairless shrub or straggling climber to 3 m or more, stems

brown. LEAVES: In clusters, the lower leaves arrow shaped at the base, small

basal lobes bent backwards, upper leaves long oval and pointed, 5–9 cm,

3-veined from the centre, veins arching to the tip, on a stalk to 4 cm.

Basal lobes of leaves less than 1 cm wide. FLOWERS: On a much-branched

terminal head, each tiny flower pink-purple with 3 reflexed outer sepals

and 3 inner clear sepals, red, winged, enlarged in fruit. FRUIT: The inner

sepals become circular, net-veined, wavy edged, 4–5 mm across, red-

brown, with 2 small processes at the base around the 3-sided nutlet.

COLOGY: Common in montane grassland, open mist forest, bushland, exposed rocky

slopes and woodlands and gaps in montane forests, but also near swamps in

lowlands. Does best in soil rich in humus, 900–2,400 m; rainfall 1,100–2,200

mm.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in most highland areas of Tanzania, e.g. around Lushoto,

Mbeya Peak and in Mbizi Forest Reserve (Rukwa Region). Also in Kenya,

Uganda, Malawi and parts of Central Africa.

SES:

Food:

The young stems and leaves are eaten raw and taste salty. They are eaten

particularly by children as they collect water from streams and usually eaten

as a snack.

Medicinal:

– Leaves are pounded and soaked in cold water. The infusion is used to treat

coughs, rheumatism, stomach-ache and to reduce gas in the stomach.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: Crushed leaves are used to remove grease and for cleaning brass. The

plant is used for fodder and provides bee forage.

EASON: Leaves are collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild; not much cultivated but can be propagated

by seed.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: In the past roots were boiled and the decoction drunk to treat smallpox.

569

THE SPECIES

It was also used as a cold bath for sufferers of the disease. The young stems and

leaves of R. bequertii and R. ruwenzoriensis are also edible.

Rumex usambarensis (contd) Polygonaceae

Flowering shoot

Enlarged fruit

570

THE SPECIES

Saba comorensis (S. florida) Apocynaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Ha: Umubhungo; Hehe: Lizwana; Muungo; Kuria: Mtegeti;

Luguru: Mbungo; Mara: Mtegeti; Matengo: Mbungu; Nyamwezi:

Ibungobungo; Nyasa: Mawungu; Rufiji: Ngombe; Sambaa: Mbungo; Swahili:

Mbungo, Mpira; Tongwe: Ilombo; Zigua: Mbungo; Zinza: Mubungu,

Omubungo.

ESCRIPTION: A climbing or scrambling creeper or shrub with hairless red-

dish stems dotted with white breathing pores (lenticels). The liana can be

to 20 metres long, its stems looping through the forest or scrambling over trees

and shrubs at forest edges, with brown tendrils to 12 cm or more. LEAVES:

Large, oval to oblong, leathery and shiny, darker above, tip usually rounded,

base rounded to heart shaped, 7–16 cm long. FLOWERS: In dense terminal

bunches, with many flowers, sweet scented, tubular, about 3.5 cm long, the 5

lobes as long as or shorter than the tube, white with a yellow throat, petal

lobes overlap to the left in the bud. FRUIT: A large berry, rounded, 2.5–6 cm

across, a thick green lemon-like skin, yellow or orange with age, con-

taining sweet-sour edible pulp around many seeds, each about 1 cm long.

COLOGY: Common in riverine forest and rainforest, at forest edges and in thickets,

up to 1,800 m; rainfall 1,200–2,400 mm. It grows profusely in the shoreline

forests of Lake Victoria.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania. Also in Kenya and Uganda; widespread in

Africa, through Central Africa to Ethiopia and southern Somalia south to Mo-

zambique.

SES:

Food:

– Fruits are collected when ripe (yellow–orange-brown). Each fruit is cut open

and the sweet pulp eaten with seeds being discarded. It is eaten as a snack.

A well-known fruit in many parts of the country with a sweet-sour taste

similar to tamarind.

– The pulp is soaked in water, sugar added and the juice drunk before or after

being cooled.

Medicinal:

– Leaves are pounded, soaked in cold water and the infusion used to treat

hypertension.

– A boiled root decoction is drunk as a treatment for rheumatism and infertil-

ity in women.

Other: The plant is useful as a source of bee forage and for ornamental pur-

poses.

EASON: Fruits are collected at the end of the rainy season and beginning of the

dry season.

571

THE SPECIES

STORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by local peo-

ple. It can be propagated using fresh seed and cuttings.

TATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: It has been tried as an horticultural crop in the Central African Repub-

lic.

Saba comorensis (S. florida) (contd) Apocynaceae

Flowering branch

Fruit

Fruit section

Seed

Climbing tendrils

(modified branchlets)

are hard hooks

572

THE SPECIES

Salacia leptoclada Celastraceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Ha: Mkavu, Umubhungo; Tongwe: Igandamakungu.

ESCRIPTION: A hairless shrub, small tree or liane 1–4 m, the young stems with

raised lines, green-grey–purple, later rough with raised breathing pores. BARK:

Dark grey, younger branches dark brown, long and drooping. LEAVES: Op-

posite (except on climbing shoots), generally long oval, 5–8.5 cm, the tip well

pointed, base narrowed to a very short stalk, papery or stiff, dark and shiny

above, paler below, vein network very fine and raised, the edge may have

widely separated shallow teeth, blade widest below the middle. FLOWERS:

Small, yellow-green, 5–7 mm across, 1–5 together, each one stalked but the

bunch has no stalk at the base from the leaf axil, buds 2.5 mm, generally cone

shaped, the central disc thick and fleshy with a conical ovary, 5 narrow

petals. FRUIT: Always rounded and smooth, 1–2.2 cm, orange-red when

ripe, a leathery skin around the fleshy berry.

COLOGY: Evergreen or deciduous forests, 100–2,200 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in Tanga Region and other eastern and southern areas of

Tanzania. Also coastal Kenya, and in West Africa, south to South Africa. Also

on the Comoro Islands and Madagascar.

SES:

Food:

Ripe fruits are edible. They are collected and the pulp eaten raw as a snack,

especially by children and herders.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is useful for ornamental purposes and as a source of bee

forage. Fruits are eaten by chimpanzees.

EASON: Fruits are collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Only collected from the wild and not cultivated. The species can be

propagated by seed.

STATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

573

THE SPECIES

Salacia leptoclada Celastraceae

Mature berry fruit

Flowering shoot

574

THE SPECIES

Salvadora persica Salvadoraceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Mustard tree, Toothbrush bush, Toothbrush tree; Gogo:

Mkunghuni; Gorowa: Msaki; Hehe: Mkung’uni; Iraqw: Mswaki; Maasai:

Iremito (plural), Olremit, Oremit; Mbugwe: Modee; Mwera: Chigombo;

Ngindo: Mswaki; Pare: Mkayo; Sambaa: Mswaki; Sandawi: Muléwa; Sangu:

Mswake; Sukuma: Mswake, Muche; Swahili: Mswaki; Zigua: Mswaki.

ESCRIPTION: An evergreen trailing shrub or small tree, 3–7 m. Young flexible

branches pendulous, older wood twisted. BARK: Cracked and brown.

LEAVES: Yellow-green, dull, rather fleshy but hard with rough gland dots

and raised veins, oblong to rounded to 5 cm. FLOWERS: In loose heads, to

10 cm, small, white. FRUIT: White, then pink to purple, 1 cm across, one-

seeded, juicy and strongly flavoured.

COLOGY: Grows in thorn shrub and savanna and on alkaline soils, 0–1,400 m. It

is very drought resistant and is an important indicator of saline soils, even

though it prefers the sandy clay soils of water courses.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread all over arid Africa and in the driest parts of India. It

grows in many parts of Tanzania, e.g. in Dodoma, Tanga, Morogoro, Lindi and

Kilimanjaro Regions.

SES:

Food:

– Ripe fruit are collected in handfuls and eaten raw as a snack. Fruit are also

eaten with honey (Sandawi).

– Leaves are pounded, mixed with water, the liquid filtered and used as a

tenderizer when cooking other vegetables.

Medicinal:

– Leaves are pounded and boiled in water and the decoction used as a remedy

for generalized body pains, backache, stomach-ache and chest pains. Pounded

leaves are used as a poultice for wounds.

– The root is ground and the powder rubbed on the forehead to relieve head-

ache. A decoction of the root mixed with meat soup is used for general body

pains, backache, stomach-ache and chest pain.

– The bark is soaked in water and the infusion drunk for treating sore throat.

Commercial: Fruits are not marketed but toothbrushes are sold in both rural

and urban markets.

Other: The young stems are used as toothbrushes. Leaves are good fodder.

EASON: Fruits are collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not cultivated. Can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Common.

575

THE SPECIES

Salvadora persica Salvadoraceae

Flowering branch

Flowers

Fruit

576

THE SPECIES

Satyrium macrophyllum Orchidaceae

(S. cheirophorum)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Kikande, Nyamachebele, Nyamasebele; Hehe: Kikande;

Wanji: Chikande.

ESCRIPTION: A terrestrial orchid, usually 15–80 cm, an erect stem arising

from a pair of round-oval underground tubers, 1–2.5 cm long, 1 cm across.

LEAVES: 6–10 leaves along the entire length of the stem but 2–3 larger

basal leaves, 4–20 cm x 3–11 cm across, tip pointed, other leaves much smaller,

sheath-like around the stem. FLOWERS: Usually sweet scented, pale pink to

dark red with darker veins, 12–130 flowers on a cylindrical head 3–55 cm

long, about 2 cm across, each flower supported by a conspicuous leafy bract,

the sepals joined to the petals and lip in the lower third, the 2 spurs slender,

10–18 mm long, tapering very gradually, the upper parts of the flower convex

and hooded, sepals and petals narrow and oblong, much longer than

the lip, more than 10 mm. FRUIT: A small ellipsoid capsule opening by slits to

release very many tiny seeds.

COLOGY: Found in damp or poorly drained upland grassland, edges of scrub or

open Brachystegia woodland, 1,200–2,900 m.

DISTRIBUTION: In the Southern Highlands and other southern areas of Tanzania;

Kenya, south to South Africa.

USES:

Food:

– Tubers are dug out from the ground, peeled and washed. They are then

cooked and eaten like potatoes.

– The tubers are peeled, pounded, the flour fermented and then baked into

cakes, which are eaten with tea.

Commercial: Tubers and cakes are sold in markets.

Other: Plants can be used for ornamental purposes and are a source of bee

forage.

EASON: Tubers are dug up during and soon after the rainy season.

TORAGE: Tubers can be stored for several months if kept cool and dry.

ANAGEMENT: Tubers are usually collected from the wild, but the plant can easily

be propagated from the tubers.

STATUS: Locally common but becoming increasingly rare due to over collecting.

Harvesting of orchid tubers destroys the whole plant and is thus an

unsustainable harvesting method which should be discouraged. To maintain

wild populations, studies on domestication are urgently needed.

EMARKS: One of several Satyrium species which are edible and need further stud-

ies for breeding and domestication.

577

THE SPECIES

Satyrium macrophyllum Orchidaceae

(S. cheirophorum)

578

THE SPECIES

Satyrium neglectum var. neglectum Orchidaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Kikande, Nyamachebele; Hehe: Limwapembe; Kinga:

Chikande; Matengo: Chikande, Kikande-mangonji-matali; Ngoni: Kikande-

mangonji-matali; Wanji: Chikande.

ESCRIPTION: A terrestrial orchid to 1 m, without hairs, the slender or stout stems

arising from hairy tubers, 1.5–3 cm long and to 1 cm across, the roots hairy,

wiry. Separate leafy sterile stems to 15 cm grow close to the flowering

stems, usually a pair. LEAVES: 2–5, on the sterile stem, the lowest 1–2 shorter

and surrounding the stem, tip blunt; upper leaves long narrow and pointed up

to 27 cm x 6.5 cm wide. FLOWERS: The flowering stalk, 4–35 cm, is stout with

6–12 sheathing leaves covering it, these leaves 13 cm long, narrow and pointed,

smaller towards the tip; the terminal cylindrical flower head 5–25 cm long with

very many small pink-yellow (to dark red or orange-yellow) flowers, usually

sweet scented, each one curved outwards, clearly hooded as the sepals and

petals are joined to one another and bent down, the 2 characteristic

spurs to 17 mm long (the opening only 2–4 mm and the flap above the

lip entrance not hairy). Each flower is backed by a wide pointed leafy

bract 1–3 cm long, typically bent backwards (reflexed). FRUIT: Ellipsoid

capsules open by slits to release tiny seed.

COLOGY: Upland or montane grassland, 1,800–2,700 m.

ISTRIBUTION: North-eastern and Southern Highlands of Tanzania; southwards to

South Africa. Another variety, var. brevicalcar, is found only in the Southern

Highlands. It has shorter lips and spurs.

SES:

Food:

– Tubers are dug up from the ground, peeled, cooked and eaten like potatoes.

– Tubers are peeled, pounded and the flour baked into cakes to be eaten with

tea.

Commercial: Tubers and cakes are sold in markets.

Other: Plants can be used for ornamental planting.

EASON: Tubers are excavated during and soon after the rainy season.

TORAGE: Tubers can be stored for several weeks if kept cool and dry.

ANAGEMENT: Tubers are collected from the wild, but the plant can easily be propa-

gated from the tubers.

STATUS: Locally common but becoming increasingly rare due to over collecting.

Harvesting of orchid tubers destroys the whole plant and is thus an

unsustainable harvesting method which should be discouraged. To main-

tain wild populations, studies on domestication are urgently needed.

579

THE SPECIES

Satyrium neglectum var. neglectum Orchidaceae

REMARKS: This is one of several Satyrium species which are highly valued as food

plants.

Flowering stem

Hairy tuber

Leafy sterile stem

580

THE SPECIES

Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Anacardiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Arusha: Olmang’wai; Bena: Mbwegele; Bondei: Mng’ongo;

Chagga: Mango, Mang’we; Digo: Mngongo, Mng’ongo; English: Cider tree,

Marula, Marula plum, Gogo: Mbwejele; Gorowa: Gulgurchandi; Hehe:

Mbwegele; Iraqw: Gulgurchandi; Kaguru: Mbwegele; Kuria: Omongwe;

Maasai: Ilmang’ua (plural), Olmangisai, Olmang’uai; Makonde: Muongo;

Matengo: Mbwegele, Mtondoko; Mbugwe: Monyangu; Ngindo: Mng’ongo;

Nguu: Mng’ong’o, Nyamwezi: Mng’ongo; Nyaturu: Muhuvi; Pare: Mng’ong’o;

Rangi: Muangu; Sandawi: An/./.uma; Sukuma: Ng’ongo; Swahili: Mng’ongo,

Mng’ong’o, Mongo; Tongwe: Igongo; Zaramo: Mng’ongo; Zigua: Mng’ongo.

ESCRIPTION: A deciduous tree, 10–18 m, with a thick bole and large branches to a

light rounded crown. BARK: Grey, then black and thick with irregular

cracks and raised scales; inner bark pink-red. LEAVES: Compound pin-

nate, crowded at tips of branches, 3–18 pairs leaflets plus a central leaflet,

each stalked, usually less than 3 cm, tip blunt or pointed. FLOWERS:

Male and female flowers on the same or different trees; pale green male flowers

in spikes, hang down and attract insects; female flowers solitary, green-

pink. FRUIT: Rounded and fleshy, to 3.5 cm across, skin cream, spotted,

peeling away from the sweet flesh, which has a flavour somewhat similar to

mango; 2–3 large seeds inside, oily and edible.

COLOGY: A fruit tree of medium to low altitudes scattered in mixed deciduous

woodland and wooded grassland, often on rocky hills, 0–1,200 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Widely distributed in Tanzania, including Zanzibar. Also in Kenya.

Subsp. caffra occurs throughout southern Africa from the Congo basin, Angola

and Namibia to South Africa and in Madagascar.

SES:

Food:

– The pale yellow ripe fruit are sweet but slightly acidic. They are peeled and

eaten very frequently as a snack, mostly by children. They are very rich in

vitamin C, and the pulp can be used to prepare jam and wine.

– The kernel is edible and produces an edible oil.

Medicinal:

– Leaves and fruits are chewed for coughs.

– A powder made from the bark is mixed with honey and used as a remedy for

coughs.

– A decoction of the leaves or bark is used to treat diabetes and snakebite.

Other: The wood is soft and used for construction, and to make traditional

chairs, grain mortars, boats, beehives, beer pots, milk pots, boats, carvings

and cups. Leaves and fruits are used for fodder. Fruits and roots are soaked

in hot water and the decoction used to treat poultry diseases.

581

THE SPECIES

SEASON: Fruits are collected in the dry season.

TORAGE: The kernels can be stored for several months.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local peo-

ple. The species can be propagated by seed.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: Young trees are susceptible to fire damage. In southern Africa, S. birrea

is known as marula, and the fruit is used both locally and on a large scale for

the commercial production of alcoholic beverages, and the oil from the nut is

valued for cooking. Three subspecies are found in Tanzania: subsp. caffra, subsp.

birrea and subsp. multifoliolata.

Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra (contd)

Fruit

Terminal leaves

582

THE SPECIES

Scolopia rhamniphylla Flacourtiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Haya: Omukanaga; Hehe: Mgola; Swahili: Mgovigovi.

ESCRIPTION: A much-branched shrub or tree, 3–12 m, with a bushy rounded crown.

BARK: Pale brown or grey, smooth or rough, the trunk sometimes with straight

spines to 15 cm, branches and branchlets with axillary spines to 6 cm.

LEAVES: Generally stiff and oval, alternate, 5–12 cm long, tip slightly pointed

or blunt, base narrowed to a 1 cm stalk, edges usually regularly round toothed,

the 5–8 pairs veins slightly raised on both sides as well as a dense vein net-

work. FLOWERS: Yellow-white, on few-flowered stalks, 1–2 cm, beside

leaves, 4 hairy sepals, 2 mm, and 4–6 narrow petals, 20–30 stamens.

FRUIT: A small berry, rounded to oval, 6–7 mm across, tipped by the old style

and remnants of the flower at the base, pink-purple-black, containing a few

angular seeds.

COLOGY: A tree of rainforest or dry evergreen forest and associated bushland,

riverine forest, 1,000–2,000 m.

DISTRIBUTION: In most parts of Tanzania except the central and western areas;

Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Cameroon, Angola and in the Congo basin.

USES:

Food:

Ripe fruits are fleshy and eaten raw as a snack, especially by children and

herdsmen.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is hard and is used for firewood, charcoal, poles, tool handles

and yokes. The tree is important as a source of bee forage.

EASON: Ripe fruits are collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Fruits are collected from the wild and it is not cultivated but can be

propagated by seed.

STATUS: Locally common.

583

THE SPECIES

Scolopia rhamniphylla Flacourtiaceae

Spines

Enlarged flower

Enlarged berry fruit and seed

584

THE SPECIES

Scolopia zeyheri Flacourtiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Thorn pear; Hehe: Mgola, Luguru: Msona; Sambaa:

Mtwampara, Kikongoo; Wanji: Litungu.

DESCRIPTION: A spiny shrub or small tree, usually 2–7 m but up to 25 m, the trunk

60 cm diameter, often branching low down and young plants sometimes climb-

ing. BARK: Pale grey and smooth becoming dark brown-grey, rough and peel-

ing in flakes, the straight spines from leaf axils usually 1.5 to 5 cm but up

to 10 cm. (Occasionally a mass of spiny branchlets may grow out of the main

trunk.) LEAVES: Alternate, simple, leathery, dark green, stiff when older,

paler below, veins prominent both sides, variable in size and shape, nar-

row to almost circular, 2–9 cm long, the edge entire or with shallow rounded

teeth, broadly tapering to a round or notched tip, the base narrowed to a

1 cm stalk. Young leaves and stalks reddish. Sometimes leaves have a thin

waxy coating. FLOWERS: Very small, along axillary stalks, 1–3 cm, petals

white-cream-yellow fading brown, only the central yellow anthers conspicu-

ous, receptacle densely white-hairy. FRUIT: Rounded fleshy berries 5–10 mm

diameter, red-purple then black with a hair-like tip, containing 2–3 an-

gular seeds.

COLOGY: Found in dry evergreen forest, riverine forest, bushland, wooded grass-

land, open rocky or sandy sites (in drier places than S. rhamniphylla), 0–2,400

ISTRIBUTION: In most parts of Tanzania except the central and western areas and

the Southern Highlands. Also in Kenya, Uganda; west to Cameroon and south

to South Africa.

SES:

Food:

Ripe fruits are fleshy, sweet and eaten raw as a snack.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for firewood, poles, tool handles and spoons. The tree

is useful for fodder and is a source of bee forage.

EASON: Fruits are collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not cultivated. Propagation is possible using

seed.

STATUS: Locally common.

EMARKS: Several other Scolopia species are edible, including the following:

1. S. stolzii (Hehe: Mgola; Sambaa: Mkongola; Swahili: Mgovigovi) a much-

branched tree up to 15 m high with fleshy fruits. It is found in Iringa and

585

THE SPECIES

Mbeya Regions and also in Cameroon, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimba-

bwe and the Congo basin;

2. S. theifolia (Hehe: Mgola; Iraqw: Indahaheye; Maasai: Oleleloi, Oladarrara;

Sambaa: Mkongola, Mtiwampara; Swahili: Mgovigovi; Wanji: Litungu) a

shrub or tree up to 15 m with smooth greying bark and small fleshy fruits. It

occurs in Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Tanga, Iringa and Mbeya Regions, and in Ethio-

pia and Sudan.

Scolopia zeyheri (contd) Flacourtiaceae

Fruiting branch

Spines

Flowering branch

586

THE SPECIES

Senna bicapsularis Caesalpiniaceae

(Cassia bicapsularis)

West Indies and western South America

OCAL NAMES: Swahili: Mwingajini.

ESCRIPTION: An erect, straggling or bushy shrub, sometimes scrambling or climb-

ing, 1.5–9 m, stems without hairs. LEAVES: Compound pinnate, rather small,

with 2–3 pairs of leaflets, oblong to almost circular, 1–3 cm, wider at the

round tip. FLOWERS: Bright yellow-orange with brown veining, on well-de-

veloped stalks beside leaves, usually with 4–8 flowers, 5 rounded sepals, clear

in bud, the 5 petals long oblong, wider at the round tip, to 1.3 cm long. In

the centre 10 unequal stamens: 3 large, 4 medium sized and 3 undeveloped.

FRUIT: Straight cylindrical pods to 15 cm long, tip rounded, sections just

visible, brown and somewhat swollen when mature, only very slowly breaking

open to set free many olive-brown flat seeds.

COLOGY: Originally planted in gardens but naturalized in grasslands, secondary

bushland, abandoned fields and roadsides, up to 2,100 m; rainfall 1,100–1,800

mm. It prefers well-drained soils.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania. Also in Uganda and Kenya; cultivated in

many parts of the tropics, often escaped and naturalized.

SES:

Food:

– The leaves are gathered, wilted and cooked as a vegetable. Can be served

alone or mixed with other leaves, beans or peas. The leaves are eaten as a

substitute when more preferred vegetables are not available. They are eaten

with a staple food.

– Seeds are roasted, pounded and used as a substitute for coffee.

Medicinal: Roots and leaves can be chewed to relieve stomach-ache.

Other: The plant is used for ornamental purposes and as a hedge.

EASON: Leaves are collected in the early rainy season for food.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, but also planted as a hedge by the local

people using seed.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

587

THE SPECIES

Senna bicapsularis Caesalpiniaceae

(Cassia bicapsularis)

Flowering branch

Fruit pods

588

THE SPECIES

Senna singueana Caesalpiniaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Muhanjahanja; English: Winter cassia; Gogo: Mswaga,

Muhumba; Gorowa: Dalaagi; Hehe: Muhanza; Iraqw: Dalaa-akumo, Qarerei;

Kaguru: Muhumba; Luguru: Mhumba; Maasai: Engai-pulsan; Ngindo:

Mkundekunde; Ngoni: Mtepura; Nyamwezi: Mdimwambuli, Msambila,

Msambisambi; Nyaturu: Mutungulu; Pare: Msidati, Msindali; Rangi:

Mtungulu-mwiru, Mutungulu; Sambaa: Mhumba; Sandawi: Gelegela;

Sangu: Mhanja; Sukuma: Msambilya; Swahili: Mbaraka, Mkundekunde;

Zigua: Mhumba.

ESCRIPTION: A deciduous shrub or small tree, usually 4–5 m, with a light open

crown. BARK: Red becoming grey-brown and rough. LEAVES: Compound with

4–10 pairs oval leaflets, fresh green in colour, 2.5–5 cm long. Between each

leaflet pair there is a conspicuous gland on the stalk. FLOWERS: Strik-

ing deep yellow, fragrant, in large loose sprays to 15 cm, at the ends of

branches on the bare tree (April–September). The 5 sepals and 5 petals are

rounded and yellow, to 3 cm long; the 10 stamens are of three different sizes.

The flower stalks, 2–4 cm, have conspicuous glands. FRUIT: A narrow

cylindrical pod to 25 cm, sharply pointed and narrowed between seeds.

Pods hang in clusters and ripen the following year; yellow when ripe. Seeds

circular flat, only 5–6 mm.

COLOGY: Found in woodland, wooded grassland and bushland; often on termite

mounds, up to 2,200 m.

DISTRIBUTION: In all parts of Tanzania; widespread in tropical Africa, especially in

semi-arid areas; Uganda, Kenya; Eritrea to South Africa and the Comoro Is-

lands.

SES:

Food:

– Pods are fleshy, sweet and edible. They are collected as soon as they are ripe,

broken, the sweet pulp sucked out and the seeds discarded. They are mostly

eaten by children and herdsmen.

– Seeds are used as a substitute for coffee.

Medicinal:

– Leaves are pounded and soaked in cold water, the infusion is used as a

remedy for STDs, malaria, convulsions, epilepsy, coughs, intestinal worms,

constipation, heartburn and stomach-ache.

– A decoction of the roots is used to treat wounds and as a remedy for diarrhoea,

convulsions, dementia and STDs (Bondei, Hehe, Gogo, Nyamwezi, Sukuma).

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for firewood and charcoal and to make spoons. The

589

THE SPECIES

tree is used for fodder, soil improvement, as an ornamental and is a source of

bee forage.

EASON: Fruits are collected during the dry season, usually from July to Novem-

ber.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Usually collected from the wild, but can easily be propagated by

seed.

TATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

Senna singueana (contd) Caesalpiniaceae

Enlarged flower

Flower head and leaf

Fruit pod

590

THE SPECIES

REMARKS: The species is also known to be toxic. Care should be taken by following

the instructions given by the herbalist when using it medicinally. A suitable

candidate for agroforestry in dry areas.

A related species, S. occidentalis (Bondei: Komanguku; English: Stinking

weed; Gogo: Muwinganzoka; Hehe: Nyamaganga; Kuria: Maitanyoka;

Maasai: Eswaili; Sambaa: Muinu; Sukuma: Nzegenzege; Swahili: Mnuka

uvundo, Mwingajini) is an erect herb up to 20 cm high with compound leaves,

yellow flowers and erect and slightly curved pods. It is widespread in tropical

Africa and found all over Tanzania. The leaves of this species are used as a

vegetable. Seeds are roasted and used as a substitute for coffee. Leaves and

roots are used to treat stomach-ache, fever, snakebite, STDs and mental illness.

Senna singueana (contd) Caesalpiniaceae

591

THE SPECIES

Senna singueana (contd) Caesalpiniaceae

Flowering and fruiting branch

S. occidentalis

592

THE SPECIES

Sesamothamnus busseanus Pedaliaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Sesame bush; Gogo: Mlyang’ungu, Mulyanhungu; Hehe:

Chung’ungu; Sangu: Ifufu.

DESCRIPTION: A spiny shrub or small tree, 1–5 m high, with a swollen trunk at

the base and soft wood. BARK: Dark coppery pink-green, scaling off in

papery shavings, branches pale red-brown, the young shoots hairy, many

spines, usually straight, 0.5–1.5 cm and swollen at the base. LEAVES: Decidu-

ous, growing in bundles from cushions along the stem, 2–5 cm long, wider at

the tip, which is rounded or notched, dense glandular hairs below but few

above. FLOWERS: The few sweet-scented flowers appear on the bare tree, white,

the tube often crimson, shortly stalked, the tube 2.5–4 cm long, wider at the

throat, the long thin spur to 6 cm, the flower 4–9 cm across with 5 pointed

lobes, 4 fringed. FRUIT: Woody capsules, glandular hairy when young,

brown oblong and flattened, to 4 cm long and 2 cm wide, containing numer-

ous winged seeds.

COLOGY: Found in dry Acacia–Commiphora bushland or grassed bushland on

shallow rocky soils, 300–1,300 m. Can survive in very dry conditions.

DISTRIBUTION: Recorded from central and southern Tanzania, e.g. in Dodoma,

Singida and Iringa Regions. Also in Kenya and Somalia.

USES:

Food:

– Leaves and flowers are wilted and cooked alone or mixed with other veg-

etables such as amaranth or peas and eaten along with a staple.

– Leaves are pounded, soaked in cold water and filtered. The infusion is used

as a tenderizer when cooking other vegetables.

Medicinal:

– Leaves are pounded and soaked in water. The infusion is drunk as a remedy

for constipation and intestinal gas.

– Pounded leaves and stems are applied to fresh wounds to stop bleeding. (In

northern Kenya and Somalia ground parts of the plant are used to make a

paste to stop bleeding.)

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is soft and used for making fire by friction. The tree can be

used for ornamental purposes.

EASON: Leaves are collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Usually collected from the wild, but can also be propagated and cul-

tivated using seed and cuttings.

STATUS: Occasional within its area of distribution.

593

THE SPECIES

Sesamothamnus busseanus Pedaliaceae

Flower

Fruit capsule

Seed

Flowering head with buds

Open capsule Habit

594

THE SPECIES

Sesamum angolense Pedaliaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Gogo: Ilendi-lya-mhonjela; Hehe: Lilendi, Mkongela, Mlenda mtali;

Luguru: Mlenda; Maasai: Enderemet; Ngoni: Delele; Nyamwezi: Mlenda-

gwa-wima; Rangi: Irenda; Sandawi: Erenze; Sukuma: Ilendi; Swahili:

Mlenda; Tongwe: Ipela, Mlenda; Yao: Mkuyamani; Zaramo: Mlenda,

Mpombo.

ESCRIPTION: A densely leafy perennial herb, to 3 m but usually smaller, simple or

branched, the stem somewhat 4-angled. LEAVES: Almost without stalks, nar-

row oblong, 2–11 cm, the margins more or less rolled under, the upper surface

with rough hairs, the lower white with hairs, tip blunt or pointed. FLOW-

ERS: Tubular, pink–purple–red–pale mauve with deeper coloured markings,

3.5–7 cm long and 2–3 cm across the throat, the 5 petals more or less two-

lipped, a hairy persistent calyx with pointed lobes. FRUIT: A 4-side capsule

2.5 cm long, 6 mm across, densely hairy with a flat beak, breaking open to

set free tiny black seeds.

COLOGY: Found in disturbed grassland, roadsides, along river valleys and in open

woodlands and abandoned cultivation, 400–2,400 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Grows in most parts of Tanzania; also in Kenya, Uganda, south to

Zimbabwe, Zambia and Angola.

USES:

Food:

Leaves are wilted and cooked alone or mixed with other vegetables such as

beans, peas or amaranth and served with a staple.

Medicinal:

– Leaves are pounded, soaked in water and the infusion used to treat consti-

pation and to stop vomiting.

– Roots and leaves are used for treating measles and poisoning.

Commercial: Sold in local markets.

Other: Leaves are soaked in cold water which is then used as a shampoo that

oils and straightens the hair. The plant is useful as a source of bee forage

and for ornamental purposes.

EASON: Collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Dried leaves can be stored for several months. Alternatively, they can be

stored in the powdered form.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, but can easily be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Locally common and easily accessible.

595

THE SPECIES

Sesamum angolense Pedaliaceae

Leafy shoot

4-sided fruit capsules

596

THE SPECIES

Sesamum calycinum var. angustifolium

Pedaliaceae

(S. angustifolium)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Wild simsim; Hehe: Lilendi mtali, Mlenda mtali; Luo:

Onyulo, Anyulo, Olukenu, Kenu; Maasai: Oldelemet; Matengo: Mbonani,

Mlenda-mgunda, Lidelele-mgunda; Ngoni: Mbonani, Mlenda-mgunda,

Lidelele-mgunda; Ndendeule: Mbonani, Mlenda-mgunda, Lidelele-mgunda;

Nyamwezi: Mlenda-gwa-wima; Swahili: Mfuta, Mlenda mwitu.

ESCRIPTION: An erect, sometimes spreading, herb, one or only a few branches

from a woody base, 30–180 cm, stems more or less 4-sided, hairy at first.

LEAVES: Long and narrow, to 12 cm, a short stalk or none, the lowest

leaves coarsely and irregularly toothed. FLOWERS: Tubular, pink-red-

mauve-purple, often spotted in the throat, 2-lipped, 2–3.5 cm long, 4 sta-

mens, 5 sepals. FRUIT: Narrow capsules, to 25 cm long, 4 mm across,

straight, deeply 4-grooved, gradually narrowed into a flat triangular beak,

many 1-mm seeds inside have a rough surface.

COLOGY: Found in cultivated areas and wastelands, abandoned gardens, at

roadsides, in sandy river soils, grassland, 0–2,000 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in most parts of Tanzania, including Zanzibar Island. Also in

Kenya, Uganda, from Sierra Leone to Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, the Congo

basin, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique.

SES:

Food:

Leaves are collected, chopped and cooked together with other ingredients,

e.g. green vegetables, peas or beans, to thicken the sauce. The leaves are

slippery (okra-like) when crushed, with a mild to sour taste. It is eaten with

a staple.

Commercial: Not marketed.

EASON: Leaves are collected in the rainy season, seeds in the dry season.

STORAGE: Dried leaves may be stored in containers for a long time to be used

during the dry season.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, but also protected and cultivated around

homesteads.

REMARKS The plant is normally used during the dry season when other vegetables

are not available.

597

THE SPECIES

Sesamum calycinum var. angustifolium

Pedaliaceae

(S. angustifolium)

Flower

Fruit capsule

598

THE SPECIES

Sesuvium portulacastrum Aizoaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Sea purslane; Hehe: Nyangomba; Swahili: Mboga wa

pwani.

DESCRIPTION: A succulent perennial herb, no more than 30 cm tall, with trail-

ing reddish stems, often rooting at the nodes. LEAVES: Opposite, fleshy,

1–6.5 cm including the stalk, narrow oblong, smooth and round tipped,

upper surface flat; lower surface convex, the base half joined to the opposite

leaf base. FLOWERS: Single, about 1 cm, in leaf axils, shortly stalked, no

petals but 5 unequal green calyx lobes joined at the base, red-purple

inside and with a definite pointed tip, many stamens surround the ovary.

FRUIT: Small conical capsules split around the centre, the lid remaining

whole to set free many black seeds.

COLOGY: Found on the seashore at or about high-water level and on mud flats in

Zanzibar and Pemba. Also in rice fields.

DISTRIBUTION: A pan-tropical species; in Tanzania restricted to coastal areas, Pemba

and Zanzibar; also coastal Kenya.

USES:

Food:

The succulent leaves and stems are chopped and cooked alone or mixed with

other vegetables and then served with a staple. Coconut milk, onions, toma-

toes and salt may be added in order to make it more tasty.

Commercial: Sold in local markets.

Other: The plant is used for fodder and ornamental purposes.

EASON: Collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not cultivated. The plant can be propagated

by seed and cuttings.

STATUS: Locally common.

EMARKS: Regarded as a troublesome weed in rice fields. It is a useful plant for

conservation of soils along the sea shores of Tanzania.

599

THE SPECIES

Sesuvium portulacastrum Aizoaceae

Enlarged flower and

flower section

Enlarged dehiscing

fruit and a seed

Habit

600

THE SPECIES

Solanum anguivii (S. indicum) Solanaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Njujui; Pare: Njujui; Sambaa: Njujui; Tongwe:

Ntunfululu; Zigua: Njujui.

ESCRIPTION: An erect perennial hairy woody herb or shrub to 2 m, with or

without prickles on stems and leaves, prickles either straight or recurved to 1

cm long. LEAVES: Alternate and simple, ovate, rather angular or lobed, to

20 cm long x 15 cm wide, densely hairy with unusual star-shaped hairs

(one ray longer than the others), leaf base unequal, on a thick stalk about 3 cm

long, midrib often spiny below. FLOWERS: White, yellow or mauve, webbed

between lobes, only 9 mm long, 15 mm across, in small stalked clusters

which arise from the main stem between the leaves, 5 erect anthers, 5 tiny

sepals enlarging in fruit. FRUIT: 1–6 berries on bent stalks, each 1 cm

across, dark green, striped, turning orange then red, black with age, con-

taining the seeds.

COLOGY: Common in secondary regrowth, disturbed land, abandoned cultivation,

thickets and at forest edges. It occurs naturally in lowland and at medium alti-

tudes up to 1,800 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in most parts of Tanzania. Also in Uganda, Kenya and from

Senegal through West Africa to Ethiopia, south to South Africa and on the

Seychelles.

SES:

Food:

Fruits are collected, washed and eaten raw, or cooked with other vegetables

such as amaranth or peas.

Medicinal:

– Fruits are chewed as a remedy for coughs and chest pains.

– Roots are used to treat toothache.

Commercial: Sold in local markets.

Other: The plant is used for fodder and ornamental purposes.

EASON: Fruits are collected at the end of the rainy season and early in the dry

season.

STORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: It is collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by local

people. It can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

601

THE SPECIES

Solanum anguivii (S. indicum) Solanaceae

Flowering and fruiting shoot

Flowers

602

THE SPECIES

Solanum schumannianum Solanaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Njujui; Haya: Omutura; Pare: Mndujwi; Sambaa: Njujui;

Swahili: Mtula, Mtunguja; Zigua: Njujui.

ESCRIPTION: An erect perennial herb or lightly branched small shrub, 1–3.6 m,

easily recognized by the stems which are densely covered in soft bristles

to 8 mm long, dark violet becoming pale brown. LEAVES: Alternate, long

oval, 6–25 cm by 2–8 cm, on long thin hairy stalks about 3 cm, no hairs

below, clear looped veins, tip long pointed, base narrowed. Young shoots pur-

ple-green. FLOWERS: Cream or mauve, 12 mm across, 5 reflexed petals turn-

ing brown before falling, many together in heads on a well-branched stalk

about 10 cm long, the stalk sometimes mealy hairy, pale brown, the flowers

hanging down. FRUIT: Soft round berries, 6–8 mm, in dense bunches on a

branched stalk, shiny green turning yellow then dark red.

COLOGY: A plant of dense evergreen and wet montane forests, open glades and

around water holes in forest areas, moist forest remnants, disturbed forest edges,

tea estates, locally common in dry montane forest, 1,300–2,700 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania; recorded, for example, around Morogoro,

in the West Usambara Mountains (Tanga Region) and in Mbizi Forest Reserve

(Rukwa Region). Also found in Kenya.

SES:

Food:

– Young and mature fruits are eaten raw or cooked with vegetables such as

peas, beans or amaranth to improve their flavour.

– Fruit are pounded and mixed with onion and lemon juice and the liquid

used as a substitute for vinegar.

Medicinal: Fruits are pounded, boiled and the decoction used as a remedy for

constipation and intestinal worms.

Commercial: Sold in local markets.

Other: The plant is used for fodder, hedges and boundary marking.

EASON: Fruits are collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Dried fruits can be pounded and stored in powder form.

ANAGEMENT: Usually collected from the wild, but sometimes cultivated near houses.

TATUS: Locally common and easily accessible.

603

THE SPECIES

Solanum schumannianum Solanaceae

Fruiting branch

604

THE SPECIES

Sonchus luxurians Compositae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Chagga: Mchunga; Luguru: Sunga; Pare: Mshunga-mboga;

Sambaa: Kwake, Mshunga-mboga, Pwake, Shunga-pwapwa; Swahili:

Mchunga; Tongwe: Ipempu.

ESCRIPTION: A robust perennial herb, erect or trailing, 1–2 m, succulent with much

white latex, older stems hollow and becomingiwoody at the base. LEAVES: Al-

ternate, pinnately divided, the lobes usually curved away from the tip, some-

what triangular, stalkless and clasping the stem with wide basal lobes, up to 15

cm long. FLOWERS: Heads of florets almost stalkless, yellow, about 8 mm

across, clustered at the ends of axillary branches towards the top of the stems,

central florets yellow, outer ray florets deep orange-yellow, surrounded by many

rows of phyllaries, 13–18 mm long, dark green with some brown, addi-

tional flower clusters below, all white woolly at the base. FRUIT: Tiny flat achenes

with many wavy hairs and stiff, straight bristles.

COLOGY: Found along roadsides in highlands, on mountain sides, grasslands,

1,500–2,000 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in the northern, north-eastern and Southern Highland ar-

eas of Tanzania. Also in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi.

USES:

Food:

Leaves are chopped and cooked alone or mixed with other vegetables such

as Solanum, Bidens or Galinsoga, coconut milk or pounded groundnuts are

added and then they are eaten alone or along with a staple such as ugali or

rice.

Medicinal: Leaves are pounded and soaked in cold water. The infusion is used

as a remedy for fever and stomach upsets.

Commercial: Leaves are sold in local markets.

Other: The plant is used as fodder for rabbits, sheep and goats.

EASON: Leaves are collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not cultivated but can be propagated by

seed.

STATUS: Locally very common.

605

THE SPECIES

Sonchus luxurians Compositae

Flowering shoot

606

THE SPECIES

Sorghum purpureo-sericeum Poaceae (Graminae)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Wild sorghum; Swahili: Mtama mwitu.

ESCRIPTION: A robust annual grass, the main stalks up to 2 m, the nodes between

stem sections “bearded”, white hairy. LEAVES: Blades to 50 cm long, 1 cm wide.

FLOWERS: A branched panicle of glumes, more or less oblong, the primary

branches whorled, simple, with fine stalks bearing the dark paired spikelets,

thin and pointed to 10 mm long, the lower glume shiny red-brown-black,

hairy or not, with a stiff hair-like awn, bent and twisted. FRUIT: Typical

grass-like, smaller than rice grains.

COLOGY: Riverine or in lakeside sedimentary soils or black-cotton soil. Does well in

lowland and medium-altitude areas, 500–1,500 m; rainfall 1,000–1,300 mm.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in western and northern areas of Tanzania, e.g. in Kigoma,

Arusha and Rukwa Regions. Also in Uganda, Kenya, from West Africa to Su-

dan, Ethiopia and Somalia and south to Mozambique; also occurs in India.

SES:

Food:

The seed is eaten as a staple and tastes like rice. The heads are collected,

threshed and winnowed and the seed boiled like rice or ground to flour. The

flour is used to make ugali, which is then served with a sauce—beans, peas

or beef. It is eaten during periods of food shortage.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: Dry stalks and leaves are used for fodder for livestock. Brooms are made

from the heads. The stalks can also be used for building simple shelters.

EASON: Collected in the dry season

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by local peo-

ple. Regarded as a serious weed in farms and can easily be propagated by seed.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

607

THE SPECIES

Sorghum purpureo-sericeum Poaceae (Graminae)

One spikelet (enlarged)

608

THE SPECIES

Sorindeia madagascariensis Anacardiaceae

Indigenous [Plate 4]

OCAL NAMES: Bende: Muzingilizi; Bondei: Mkwingwina; Chagga: Mndaraho,

Mgoda, Mgweda, Mng’wang’wa, Ngomighaa; Digo: Mkunguma; Gorowa:

Msugwe; Hehe: Mpilipili; Luguru: Mhilihili, Mkungwina; Matengo: Msigisi;

Ngindo: Mpilipili; Mdarako; Pare: Mkunguma; Sambaa: Luhagalanguku,

Mkwingwina; Swahili: Mhilihili, Mkunguma, Mlakungu, Mpakasi, Mpilipili,

Mpilipili doria, Mtikiza, Mtunguma; Vidunda: Msurupi; Zaramo: Mpilipili,

Zigua: Chambula, Mkwingwina, Msungwi.

ESCRIPTION: An evergreen forest tree, 8–25 m, without hairs. BARK: Grey-brown,

flaky. LEAVES: Compound, usually with 4 pairs of quite large alternate

leaflets, plus one at the tip (7–13), on a grooved stalk to 30 cm, lateral

leaflets one-sided at the base, all shortly stalked, tip blunt, rounded, edge

wavy, varying in length 9–23 cm, lowest leaflets smallest. FLOWERS: Bright

yellow, pink at the base, quite small, in hanging branched heads 20–95

cm long, usually from older branches below the leafy region, male and female

flowers separate, calyx brown-red, petals to 4.5 mm. FRUIT: Oval, 1–2.5 cm

long, in drooping clusters, green ripening bright yellow, sharply tipped,

containing a seed about 1 cm in soft edible pulp.

COLOGY: Found in riverine, coastal and upland forest, often in wet or seasonally

flooded places, 0-1,800 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in all parts of Tanzania except in the west; also in Kenya,

south to Malawi and on Madagascar and the Mascarene Islands.

SES:

Food:

– Ripe fruits are collected from the tree and eaten raw as a snack. They are

sweet but slightly acidic and are much eaten by people of all ages.

– Ripe fruits are soaked in warm water, squeezed and filtered. Sugar is added

and the juice is drunk before or after being cooled.

Medicinal: Roots are used by the Sambaa for treatment of tuberculosis, schis-

tosomiasis and menstrual problems.

Commercial: Fruits are sold in local markets (Chagga, Sambaa, Luguru).

Other: The tree is good for firewood and the wood produces good timber for

furniture, doors, spoons, milk pots, grain mortars, tool handles, canoe paddles,

pestles and carvings. The tree is good for shade and is a source of bee forage.

EASON: Fruits are available from September to January in Kilimanjaro Region

but only from September to October in Morogoro and Iringa Regions.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Usually collected from the wild, but sometimes retained on farms

during land preparation. It can easily be propagated by fresh seed.

609

THE SPECIES

STATUS: Locally common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: One of the best wild fruit trees and suitable for agroforestry.

Sorindeia madagascariensis (contd) Anacardiaceae

Flowering branch

Fruiting branch and leaves

610

THE SPECIES

Stachytarpheta jamaicensis Verbenaceae

West Indies

OCAL NAMES: Swahili: Kikwayakwaya.

ESCRIPTION: A perennial plant of erect habit up to 1 m, well branched, woody at

the base, young shoots rather hairy and purplish. LEAVES: Oblong to long

oval, 2–11 cm long, blunt at the tip, the edges coarsely toothed, shallow

(the points one-sided), the base narrowed to a stalk about 1 cm. FLOWERS:

In terminal spikes, a conspicuous pale blue–deep blue–purple, the narrow spike

14–45 cm, without hairs, many narrow pointed bracts, stalkless flowers, the

corolla tube about 1 cm, slightly curved, the flowers lie in depressions

along the stalk; only 2 fertile stamens. FRUIT: Stays inside the calyx, 4 mm

long and splits into 2 1-seeded sections with linear seeds.

COLOGY: A plant confined to coastal areas near sea level; a common weed in Zan-

zibar occurring in pure stands over large areas, often a weed of coconut planta-

tions but also troublesome in shambas; sometimes planted as a hedge.

ISTRIBUTION: Coastal areas of Tanzania, including Zanzibar and Pemba. Intro-

duced and naturalized in many parts of Africa, Asia, Australia and Oceania.

SES:

Food:

Green leaves are chopped and cooked alone or mixed with other vegetables.

Coconut milk or pounded groundnuts are added. The vegetable is then served

with ugali or rice.

Medicinal: Leaves are pounded, soaked in cold water and the infusion used as

a remedy for headache (Digo, Bondei).

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used for hedges and ornamental purposes and the flowers

to make earrings.

EASON: Leaves are collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Usually collected from the wild, but also from homestead compounds

where it is grown as a hedge. It is easily propagated by seed.

STATUS: Locally common.

EMARKS: Regarded as a troublesome weed.

611

THE SPECIES

Stachytarpheta jamaicensis Verbenaceae

Flower spike

612

THE SPECIES

Sterculia africana Sterculiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Mfune; English: African star chestnut, Tick tree; Gogo:

Mluze, Muluze; Kaguru: Moza; Luguru: Moza; Ngindo: Mtumbwi;

Nyamwezi: Mhozya, Muhozya; Sambaa: Mfune; Sandawi: Tlágwa; Sukuma:

Mhoja; Swahili: Mboza, Moza, Mtakaa; Zigua: Mboza; Zinza: Mkorogomwa,

Sagwia.

ESCRIPTION: A deciduous tree with a thick, fluted trunk, usually 5–12 m but may

reach 25 m, the erect branches spreading to a rounded crown. Branches soft

and brittle. BARK: Smooth, often shiny white, later flaking irregularly into

patches to reveal a beautiful underbark purple-green-white-brown. LEAVES:

Crowded at the tips of branches, deeply divided with 3–5 lobes, over 10 cm

across, on a stalk to 10 cm, lobes pointed. FLOWERS: Appear on the bare

tree, sexes separate on the same tree, in branched heads to 9 cm, green-yel-

low sepals (no petals) joined together, 2.5 cm across with red honey-guide

lines within. FRUIT: 1–5 woody beaked sections, boat shaped, with short

yellow hairs. One side only breaks open to free 3–10 flat, blue-grey seeds

which hang like ticks around the open edge.

COLOGY: A tree commonly found at low altitudes in hot dry areas, on rocky hills or

the fringes of woodlands, usually below 600 m.

DISTRIBUTION: A tree found in all parts of Tanzania, including Zanzibar and Mafia

Islands but not in the northern hills. Also in Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea,

south to Zambia and Mozambique.

SES:

Food:

Seeds are collected, pounded and then sieved. The resulting flour is cooked

with vegetables such as peas or amaranth as a substitute for pounded ground-

nuts or cooking fat.

Medicinal: Leaves and bark are boiled and the decoction inhaled to treat fever

and influenza. The infusion from the bark is used as a remedy for mental

disorders and snakebite (Gogo, Nyamwezi).

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The bark produces a fibre, which is used to make ropes and mats.

EASON: Seeds are collected during the dry season, i.e. July–December.

TORAGE: Seeds can be stored for several months.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not cultivated, but can be propagated by

seed.

STATUS: Locally common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

613

THE SPECIES

Sterculia africana Sterculiaceae

Young fruit capsules

Open mature capsule

with seeds

Male flowers

One female flower enlarged

614

THE SPECIES

Sterculia appendiculata Sterculiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Tall sterculia; Luguru: Mfune, Mgude; Mwera: Mjale;

Ngindo: Mkunya; Nguu: Mfune, Mgude; Pare: Mfune; Sambaa: Mfune;

Swahili: Mfune, Mgude; Zigua: Mfune, Mgude, Mharata-nyani.

ESCRIPTION: A tall, straight deciduous tree up to 40 m high with a dense

rounded crown. Trees have a clear bole 15–20 m and often emerge above the

surrounding woodland. BARK: Pale yellow, smooth, conspicuous and pow-

dery. Branchlets have dense rusty yellow hairs. LEAVES: At the end of branches,

large, 14–30 cm across, the leaf blade divided into 3–7 lobes. Young

leaves usually densely woolly with rusty hairs, lost at maturity. Leaf

stalks over 6 cm, hairy at first. FLOWERS: Green-yellow-brown, to 2.8

cm across, in hairy few-flowered spray to 12 cm, before leaves. FRUIT: Made

up of 2–3 sections, each to 9 cm, covered with soft brown hairs on the out-

side. When opened, seeds line the edges, each 2 cm long, brown with a soft

yellow aril at the base.

COLOGY: A tree of coastal and riverine forests, coastal bushland and woodland at

low altitudes, 0–600 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in all coastal areas of Tanzania, and on Zanzibar, e.g. around

Tamoto-Handeni, Mtibwa and Kwamsambia Forest Reserves and in Longuza

Forest. Also in Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique.

SES:

Food:

Seeds are collected from the ground, roasted and eaten whole or roasted,

pounded and cooked with vegetables as a substitute for groundnuts or cook-

ing fat.

Medicinal:

– A decoction of the bark and leaves is taken as a remedy for convulsions,

paralysis and impotence.

– A decoction from the roots is used to treat bilharzia and preventing miscar-

riage in pregnant women (Bondei, Sambaa, Zigua).

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is soft, white and used for plywood. The tree is good for shade

and as an avenue.

EASON: Seeds are collected from August to September.

TORAGE: Seeds can be stored for several weeks.

ANAGEMENT: Only collected from the wild, but the species can be propagated by

fresh seed.

STATUS: Locally common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

615

THE SPECIES

Sterculia appendiculata Sterculiaceae

Fruit

Leaf shapes

Flowers

616

THE SPECIES

Sterculia tragacantha Sterculiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: African tragacanth, Parasol tree; Sambaa: Lufifia;

Tongwe: Kakubabolo, Mkubukubu.

DESCRIPTION: A massive deciduous tree which can reach 24 m, the trunk some-

times buttressed, but a long cylindrical bole to an oblong deep crown,

not spreading, the bole more than 1 m across and branching only near the

top. Young shoots with dense star-shaped hairs. BARK: Young saplings fine

grey with squared markings, later corky, deeply fissured into diamond-shaped

patterns, even on smaller branches, large oblong woody scales flake off.

LEAVES: Simple, alternate, very variable, 15–20 cm long and oval, often

with a pointed tip, waxy green at first becoming leathery, smooth and shiny

above, but yellow-red hairs below, edge rolled under, base rounded to a

brown hairy stalk, about 3 cm. FLOWERS: Buds in a cone-like structure

which opens out on the leafless tree at ends of branches into conspicuous

loose red-purple-pink heads, stalks 15–20 cm, with brown star-like hairs,

male and female flowers on the same tree, no petals but 5 coloured sepals

remain attached by their tips. FRUIT: A group of woody follicles, beaked

at the tip, shortly hairy, the follicles stick up from the ends of branches (as do

buds and flowers), green at first, then red-brown, finally grey-brown, split-

ting while on the tree along the upper side to expose 8 grey-blue seeds

around the edge of the woody “bowl”; inside, the carpels are yellow and

silky.

COLOGY: A tree of swamp and riverside forests, gallery forests, stream-side rem-

nants, occasional in dry mixed forest or on lake shores.

DISTRIBUTION: A tree of western Tanzania, recorded, for example, in Kagera, Kigoma

and Rukwa Regions; also in Central, West and southern Africa.

USES:

Food:

Seeds are roasted and eaten whole like peanuts, or roasted, pounded and

cooked with vegetables such as peas or pumpkins.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The bark is used for fibre. Gum, sapwood and other parts of the tree are

eaten by chimpanzees.

EASON: Seeds are collected during the dry season.

TORAGE: Seeds can be stored for several weeks.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, not cultivated. It can be propagated from

seed.

STATUS: Occasional within its area of distribution.

617

THE SPECIES

Sterculia tragacantha Sterculiaceae

Yellow-brown hairy

follicles

Boat-shaped fruit

break open

Grey-blue seeds

Young cone-like

flower heads

One flowering stalk

618

THE SPECIES

REMARKS: Some other Sterculia species have edible seed:

1. S. mhosya (Gogo: Muluze; Nyamwezi: Muhozya; Rangi: Ibuibui,

Msusulavana; Sukuma: Mhoja; Swahili: Moza) a shrub or small tree up to 7

m high with palmate leaves, large pods and small black seeds;

2. S. rhynchocarpa (Pare: Mnoja; Sambaa: Moza) a small, much-branched tree

to 8 m with small palmate leaves and hairy pods occurring only in the Same

area;

3. S. quinqueloba (English: Egyptian plane tree, Large-leaved star chestnut,

Large-leaved sterculia; Fipa: Mkungulanga, Mpelemusi, Msaguye; Gogo:

Muluze; Hehe: Mkwelangedege; Kaguru: Muhembeti; Kimbu: Msavala;

Luguru: Muhembeti, Mhembeti; Nyamwezi: Mguwa, Mkungulanga; Rangi:

Ibuibui; Sambaa: Muhembeti; Sangu: Mkwelangedege, Mwingirangedege;

Sukuma: Muhoja; Swahili: Mbalamwezi, Mkwera nyani; Zaramo: Moza;

Zigua: Mhembeti; Zinza: Muhembeti) a large timber tree up to 22 m with

large palmate leaves, white bark and small black fruit. It is found in Tanga,

Morogoro, Shinyanga and Tabora and southwards to Mtwara Region. It is also

found in Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Sterculia tragacantha (contd) Sterculiaceae

619

THE SPECIES

Sterculia tragacantha (contd) Sterculiaceae

S. quinqueloba

Flowers and fruit on leafy shoot

Mature fruit capsules

open to release 2–3 seeds

620

THE SPECIES

Strychnos cocculoides Loganiaceae

Indigenous [Plate 4]

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Linyowa; English: Corky bark strychnos, Monkey orange;

Hehe: Mnywewa; Matengo: Lidongansanga, Litongawai, Mdonga,

Mtongawali; Nyamwezi: M’milwa, Mtonga, Mumilwa; Swahili: Mpera mwitu,

Mtonga; Tongwe: Libwaje, Lifumbu; Ngindo: Mtongatonga.

ESCRIPTION: A semi-deciduous shrub or small tree, 3–8 m, branches spreading to a

rounded crown. BARK: Thick, ridged and corky, brown. Branchlets hairy,

purple, with strong paired spines, curved, 1 cm or more. LEAVES: Oval to

circular, to 5 cm long, shiny above, dull below, 5 veins from the base. FLOW-

ERS: Small green-white, in dense heads about 3 cm in diameter. FRUIT: Round,

hard, woody, about 7 cm in diameter, dark green, speckled with white when

young, becoming yellow when ripe, containing a juicy pulp and many seeds.

Fruit may take a year to mature.

COLOGY: It grows naturally in Brachystegia and deciduous woodlands, often on

sand, especially on rocky hills, 0–2,000 m in drier parts of central and southern

Africa.

ISTRIBUTION: In Tanzania it is found, for example, in Tabora, Dodoma, Iringa,

Mbeya and Lindi Regions. Its distribution extends west to Angola and south to

South Africa.

SES:

Food:

– Fruits are edible. The fruit which has a juicy pulp is broken in half and the

sweet rather acidic pulp eaten raw. Seeds may be swallowed or discarded.

– A refreshing juice is made by soaking the pulp in water and adding sugar.

Medicinal:

– Leaves are pounded and applied on sores.

– Roots are pounded and boiled and the decoction used to treat STDs and

stomach disorders.

Commercial: Sold in rural and urban markets (Nyamwezi, Hehe). Also ex-

ported to Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa.

Other: The wood is used for building poles and firewood.

EASON: Ripe fruits are collected from June to August in Tabora, Kigoma, Dodoma,

Songea, Singida and Lindi Regions; July–December in the highlands of Iringa

and Mbeya Regions.

TORAGE: Ripe fruits can be stored in the shade for about two weeks.

ANAGEMENT: Usually collected from the wild, but also retained in farms. Can be

propagated by seed.

TATUS: Scattered within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: One of the most important wild fruit trees in Tanzania.

621

THE SPECIES

Strychnos cocculoides Loganiaceae

Enlarged spines

Section of fruit

Pale bark, soft and

corky, split and cracked

Enlarged flower

Leafy branch with pairs

of strong curved spines

622

THE SPECIES

Strychnos innocua Loganiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Mng’ulung’ulu; Bende: Bunkundu; Bondei: Mkwakwa,

Mtonga; Digo: Mkwakwa, Mtonga; English: Dull-leaved strychnos; Gogo:

Mnhulwa; Gorowa: Furudou; Ha: Umuhongo kome; Hehe: Mbaya; Kuria:

Msege; Maasai: Endugai; Matengo: Lugulanguha, Madonga,

Mangurungundu, Mdonga; Mwera: Mgulungulu; Ndendeule: Mambuha;

Ngoni: Madonga choyo, Mchenga; Nyamwezi: Mkulwa, Mpundu, Mumundu,

Mumpundu; Nyaturu: Mkulungundu; Rangi: Mukomu; Sandawi: E’kegheke,

Gheke; Sambaa: Mtanga; Sandawi: G/.éke; Swahili: Mkwakwa,

Mgulungungulu, Mtonga; Tongwe: Kankundu; Yao: Mngulungulu; Zigua:

Mkwakwa, Mtonga; Zinza: Mkome, Mkwata.

ESCRIPTION: A shrub or small straight-stemmed tree, usually 3–6 m, without

spines; branches often twisted and branchlets hang down. Four varieties, all

in Tanzania, with differences in leaf hairiness and venation. BARK: Pale grey,

smooth. Branchlets powdery grey-green to yellow-brown. LEAVES: In opposite

pairs, widely spaced, tough, dull blue-green, with 3–5 main veins and clear

net veining, both sides similar, oblong but wider at the rounded tip, 4–

10 cm long. FLOWERS: 8 mm long, green-cream, 2–4 in stalked clusters

beside leaves, calyx shorter than petals, a ring of white hairs in the

throat. FRUIT: Round, with a thick woody shell, about 5–7 cm across, blue-

green, ripening yellow-orange, containing many seeds in pulp.

COLOGY: Deciduous woodland, 0-1,400 m. Sometimes on rocky hills or in moist

savanna woodland, Brachystegia woodland, more often in coastal lowlands.

DISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania, including Zanzibar Island. Also in Uganda,

Kenya; Sudan to West Africa and south to Zambia and Angola.

SES:

Food:

The hard woody fruit case is cracked open to expose the yellow seed aril,

which is eaten. The seeds are discarded. The aril tastes sweet and is eaten as

a substitute for other fruits, especially by children and hunters. Eaten as a

snack. If eaten in large amounts it causes stomach upsets due to the strych-

nine content.

Medicinal:

– Roots are boiled and the decoction used as an aphrodisiac and to treat STDs.

– Pounded roots are used to treat snakebite.

– An infusion from bark and twigs is drunk by pregnant women to put the

baby in the right position and to ease childbirth.

Commercial: Sold in local markets.

Other: The wood is used for firewood, building poles and tool handles. Small

branches are used for toothbrushes and toothpicks. The tree is used for shade

and is a source of bee forage.

623

THE SPECIES

SEASON: Collected in the dry season, August–December.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local peo-

ple. Can be propagated using fresh seed.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

Strychnos innocua (contd) Loganiaceae

Flowering branch

Pair of leaves

Fruit

624

THE SPECIES

Strychnos madagascariensis Loganiaceae

(S. dysophylla)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Digo: Muhonga, Musikiro; English: Spineless monkey orange; Gogo:

Mnhulwa; Ha: Umuhongo; Sambaa: Mkangala; Swahili: Mkwakwa, Mtonga.

DESCRIPTION: A shrub or small tree, usually deciduous, 2–12 m, often multi-stemmed

to a flat densely twiggy crown. BARK: Pale grey, smooth or grooved, no

spines but often hard, knobby side shoots, 1–3 cm, give the impression of

thorns, grey–dark brown branchlets, sometimes hairy, covered with pale

breathing pores. LEAVES: Simple, opposite, 2–10 cm, oval to circular, shiny

dark green above, much paler below, thin or leathery, 3–5 clear veins from

the base, outer veins running parallel to the leaf edge, tip usually rounded,

base narrowed, almost stalkless. FLOWERS: Small, 5 mm, yellow-green, 1–

4 flowers on short stalks from leaf axils, 4 rounded calyx lobes, hairs in

the corolla throat. FRUIT: Round berries 2.5–7 cm diameter, blue-green

or mottled green when young, ripening yellow with a thick woody shell,

remaining on the tree long after leaf fall, containing 7–12 thick angular seeds

in edible pulp.

COLOGY: Subsp. dysophylla is found in deciduous bushland and woodland, 900–

1,500 m. Subsp. engleri occurs at 0–500 m in similar habitats.

DISTRIBUTION: Subsp. engleri is only found in Tanga Region, while subsp. dysophylla

is widespread in Tanzania; also Mozambique south to South Africa.

USES:

Food:

The orange pulp in the fruit is edible.

Commercial: Sold in local markets.

Other: The wood is used for construction of local houses, firewood, tool handles,

woven doors, storage containers and spoons. A decoction of the leaves is

used to treat cattle and goat diseases.

EASON: Fruits are collected from June to August.

TORAGE: Ripe fruits can be kept in the shade for about two weeks.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, but can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Scattered locally within its area of distribution.

625

THE SPECIES

Strychnos madagascariensis Loganiaceae

(S. dysophylla)

Fruit

Fruit section

626

THE SPECIES

Strychnos spinosa subsp. lokua Loganiaceae

Indigenous [Plate 4]

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Mtonga; Digo: Mtonga; Gorowa: Khkokhoi; English:

Spiny monkey orange; Fiome: Amafughun; Fipa: Mtonga; Hehe: Mtangadasi;

Iraqw: Khkokhoi; Matengo: Lidonga kikumba, Limbua, Mdonga,

Mungulungu; Ndendeule: Mambuha; Ngoni: Chikumba, Madonga;

Nyamwezi: Mwage; Nyaturu: Mkulungundu; Pare: Mshegheshe; Rangi:

Mkambaiwe, Msumbaive, Mukomu; Sambaa: Mtonga; Sangu: Mtangadas;

Swahili: Mkwakwa, Mpapa, Mtonga; Zaramo: Mtonga; Zigua: Mkwakwa.

ESCRIPTION: A thorny semi-deciduous tree, often multi-stemmed, 2–5 m, up to 9

m, crown rounded. Young branchlets pale, surface powdery (not shiny),

older branchlets becoming corky, spines fairly stout, curved, black tipped,

usually in pairs along branches. LEAVES: Opposite, oval to round, to

10 cm, stiff, shiny green, edge wavy, 3–5 veins from the base, the vein

network conspicuous, usually without hairs, but sometimes hair pockets

(domatia) in the angles between lateral veins and the midrib. FLOWERS: Small,

cream-green-white, in bunches at the ends of branches. FRUIT: Round and

woody, green, turning yellow-brown when ripe, to 12 cm across, con-

spicuous and hanging many months on the tree. Up to 100 flat seeds lie in

juicy rather acid but edible flesh.

COLOGY: Grows in a wide variety of dry woodland, thickets and savanna wood-

land, frequently on sandy loams of river banks, 400–2,200 m; rainfall 1,100–

1,500 mm.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania, e.g. in Tanga, Lindi and Kagera Regions.

Also in Uganda and Kenya, and from Gambia east to Sudan, south to South

Africa.

SES:

Food:

Ripe yellow fruits are collected from the ground or from the tree, the hard

shell is cracked open, the sweet rather acid pulp eaten and the seed discarded.

Medicinal: A decoction from the root is used as a remedy for STDs, intestinal

worms, earache and colds.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for firewood, building poles, tool handles, bedsteads

and spoons.

EASON: Fruits are collected at the end of the rainy season and into the early dry

season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: It is collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local

people, but can easily be propagated by seed.

627

THE SPECIES

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: Another species, S. pungens (Bena: Litangadasi; Hehe: Mbaya,

Mtangadasi; English: Spiny-leaved monkey orange; Nyamwezi: Mhandagi,

Mkome; Swahili: Mtonga), is also edible but only very ripe fruits are eaten and

only in small quantities. A small tree up to 4 m high with spiny-tipped leaves

and large yellow fruits when ripe, it is found in miombo woodland from Tanza-

nia southwards to South Africa. A decoction of roots is used as a remedy for

stomach-ache and bronchitis, and an infusion from the leaves as a lotion for

sore eyes. The wood is used for firewood. Seeds are known to be poisonous.

[Plate 4]

Strychnos spinosa subsp. lokua (contd) Loganiaceae

S. pungens

Fruit

One enlarged flower

Enlarged spines

S. spinosa

628

THE SPECIES

Synaptolepis alternifolia Thymelaeaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Matengo: Ntongotongo-lya-huluka, Nzukumbi; Sambaa: Kwavi;

Swahili: Mbibikiu, Mkatu; Yao: Ntongotongo lya huluka, Nzukumbi; Zaramo:

Kiga-nungu.

ESCRIPTION: A shrub or woody climber to 10 m, with slender hairless branches.

BARK: Red-brown or black with clear breathing pores. LEAVES: Alternate or

opposite, narrow oval leaves to 4.5 cm long, the tip often pointed, base nar-

rowed to a 3 mm stalk, no hairs, sometimes wavy. FLOWERS: White–cream–

pale yellow in terminal heads, the calyx tube up to 1.8 cm, with 5 small lobes,

the petals with stiff hairs to 0.5 mm, the ovary with hairs at the base.

(S. kirkii has no hairs.) FRUIT: Yellow-red-orange berries included in the per-

sistent calyx base, oval, 1.2–2.3 cm long.

COLOGY: Riverine forest and thickets, Brachystegia woodland, secondary bushland

and wooded grassland, 0–1,100 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in the eastern part of Tanzania from Tanga to Mtwara Re-

gions. Also in Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

USES:

Food:

The pulp of ripe fruit is sweet and eaten raw as a snack and the seed is

discarded. It is picked from the plant in handfuls and eaten fresh, especially

by children and forest workers.

Medicinal: Roots are chewed and the juice swallowed as a remedy for stom-

ach-ache and snakebite.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used for constructing granaries and for withies in house

construction.

EASON: Fruits are collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and is not planted. Propagation can be done

using seeds.

STATUS: Occasional within its area of distribution.

629

THE SPECIES

Synaptolepis alternifolia Thymelaeaceae

Flowering branch

Flower and section

5 petal-like sepals

Inner ring of 5 petals

with stiff hairs

630

THE SPECIES

Synaptolepis kirkii Thymelaeaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Digo: Mjirambiri, Munjirembiri, Muzanira-kuzimu; Ngindo: Lukubi

wa msitu; Swahili: Mbibikiu, Mfunga waume, Mkatu.

ESCRIPTION: A small shrub, usually a climber, up to 4 m, the branches twin-

ing around other plants, stems arising from tuberous swollen roots. BARK:

Black with numerous lighter breathing pores, young shoots sometimes glandu-

lar. LEAVES: Opposite, ovate, tip pointed, 2–4.5 cm long, base rounded to a

short stalk, stiff and hairless, the lateral nerves clearly parallel. FLOW-

ERS: White-cream, sweet scented at night, one or more flowers in leaf axils,

often hanging down, the calyx tubular with 5 lobes, coloured and petal-like,

the 5 inner petals very small and bearing tiny glands making a ring at

the mouth of the tube. FRUIT: Hairless berries, oval, about 1 cm long, or-

ange when ripe, containing seed with a black lobe (caruncle) at one end.

COLOGY: A lowland tree of dry evergreen forest edges, Brachystegia woodland,

coastal and secondary bushland or thicket, 0–900 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in the eastern part of Tanzania, including Zanzibar and Pemba.

Also in coastal Kenya, Mozambique and South Africa.

SES:

Food:

The fruit pulp is fleshy, sweet and eaten raw as a snack.

Medicinal: A root decoction is used as a remedy for snakebite, impotence and

vomiting. It is also used as a charm for success in business and love affairs

(Zanzibar).

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used for ornamental purposes, and the stem can be used as

a substitute for ropes.

EASON: Ripe fruits are collected from March to May.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected only from the wild, but can be propagated using fresh seed.

TATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

631

THE SPECIES

Synaptolepis kirkii Thymelaeaceae

Flowering branch

Flower

Fruit section

Enlarged seed

632

THE SPECIES

Synsepalum brevipes Sapotaceae

(Pachystela brevipes)

Indigenous

OCAL NAME: Luguru: Msambwa; Nguu: Msambia; Nyakyusa: Ndobilobe; Pare:

Mdu, Msambia; Swahili: Mchamvia, Mchocho jike, Msambia, Msamvia;

Zaramo: Mgelezi, Zinza: Mkarati.

ESCRIPTION: A much-branched tree, 3–25 m, the bole often like a pillar and deeply

fluted, slightly buttressed at the base, to a dense crown. Young shoots and leaf

stalks with dense hairs. BARK: Grey, rough, breaking into rectangular scales,

exuding white latex. LEAVES: Alternate, long oval, wider at the tip, 9–20 cm

long, young leaves grey, hairy, narrowed to a 1-cm stalk. A pair of 1-cm-

long hair-like stipules persist at the base of the leaf stalk. FLOWERS: Small

and fragrant, yellow-cream-green, in dense clusters on small cushions

on bare branches, below leaves. FRUIT: Yellow-orange, long oval with a

pointed tip and thick skin, 2.5 cm, containing milky juice and white acid–

sweet edible pulp. The one seed is shiny brown with a large scar on one

side.

COLOGY: Grows in lowland rainforest and riverine forest, commonly found on

river banks and margins of lakes or other sites with a permanently high water-

table. Up to 1,500 m; rainfall 1,500–2,500 mm. Thrives in deep well-drained

humus-rich sandy loams.

ISTRIBUTION: Absent from central and northern Tanzania but otherwise wide-

spread, including Zanzibar and Pemba Islands. Also in Uganda, Kenya,

throughout tropical Africa, West Africa to Sudan, south to Angola, Zambia,

Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe. Widespread and abundant in the shoreline

forest of Lake Victoria.

SES:

Food:

– The ripe orange-brown fruit are collected from the tree and the pulp eaten.

It is eaten very frequently as a snack.

– The ripe fruit are soaked in water, squeezed, filtered and sugar added to the

juice, which is then drunk before or after cooling.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is hard and used for firewood, pestles, tool handles, charcoal

and domestic utensils. The tree provides good shade.

EASON: Ripe fruits are collected from October to February.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local peo-

ple, but can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Very common in most parts of Tanzania.

633

THE SPECIES

Synsepalum brevipes Sapotaceae

(Pachystela brevipes)

Fruit

Flowering branch

Young flower

(enlarged)

Flower opened out (enlarged)

634

THE SPECIES

Synsepalum msolo (Pachystela msolo) Sapotaceae

Indigenous [Plate 5]

LOCAL NAME: Luguru: Mkumbulu, Msanyanzale, Msambwa; Nguu: Mnyohoyo,

Msambia; Nyakyusa: Ndobilobe; Pare: Mdu, Msambia; Sambaa: Msambia;

Swahili: Mchocho dume, Msambia, Msamvia; Zaramo: Mgelezi, Zigua:

Mnyohoyo, Msambia; Zinza: Mkarati.

ESCRIPTION: A medium to tall tree, usually 10–15 m but can reach 50 m. Young

shoots with dense, flat hairs. The bole is deeply fluted, especially at the base,

the canopy much branched and spreading. LEAVES: Large, 10–35 cm x 4–14

cm wide; wider at the tip, which may be sharp or rounded, the leaf base

obtuse or lobed to a short, thick stalk, the lower surface may have silver grey

flat hairs, 10–20 pairs lateral nerves, a pair of narrow stipules to 15 mm.

FLOWERS: Green-white, fragrant, very small, clustered on small woody cush-

ions on old wood, stalks 4–6 mm, 5 oval sepals, 6 mm, with orange hairs.

FRUIT: Rounded, dull yellow when ripe, 2.5 cm diameter, a thin skin

containing juicy flesh and one seed, to 1.8 cm, with a prominent scar.

COLOGY: A tree of lowland rainforest, extending into the lower fringes of upland

rainforest, riverine forest, 100–1,400 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania. From Ghana and Benin in the west and

extending to Kenya and Tanzania in the east.

SES:

Food:

– The fruits are edible. Ripe fruits are fleshy, sweet and eaten raw as a snack,

especially by children and herdsmen.

– The ripe fruit are soaked in water, squeezed, filtered and sugar added to the

juice, which is then drunk before or after cooling.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for building poles, firewood, charcoal, tool handles,

spoons and pestles. The tree provides good shade.

EASON: Fruits are collected from December to April.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Fruits are collected from the wild; the tree is not cultivated but can

be propagated by seed.

STATUS: Relatively common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: A related species, S. ceraciferum (Afrosersalisia ceracifera) (Ha: Luzu;

Luguru: Mkumbulu, Msambia; Sambaa: Muokoyo, Muyohoyo, Mohoyo;

Swahili: Mchamvia; Tongwe: Mlyansekesi, Msakafya, Msankafya; Zigua:

Mnyohoyo) also has edible fruit. It is a tree 10–40 m high with fluted bole, dark

green shiny leaves and red fruits when ripe; found around Bukoba, Muheza,

Morogoro and Mpanda. It is also found in Guinea and extends to Sudan and

635

THE SPECIES

southwards to Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia and Angola. Its wood is used for

firewood, charcoal and domestic utensils. The tree provides good shade and its

latex is used to treat wounds.

Synsepalum msolo (Pachystela msolo) (contd)

Flower clusters

on old wood

Flower clusters

on old wood

S. ceraciferum

Enlarged flower

Seed and fruit

636

THE SPECIES

Syzygium cordatum Myrtaceae

Indigenous [Plate 5]

LOCAL NAMES: Digo: Muziahi, Mzihae; English: Waterberry tree; Fipa: Msu, Musu;

Gogo: Muhulo, Muhuu; Gorowa: Awartu, Ijiraombe; Ha: Msivia; Haya:

Mugege; Hehe: Muvengi, Muvengi lulenga; Iraqw: Orokutuno; Isanzu:

Mungongampembe; Kinga: Imivengi; Maasai: Oloiragai; Matengo: Mhugu,

Mnyonyo, Mvenge, Mzio, Orokutuno; Ndendeule: Mgwilu; Ngoni: Mgwilu;

Nguu: Msungunde; Nyakyusa: Mpegele; Nyamwezi: Kasyamongo; Nyaturu:

Mondoyanjoghu, Munyongwampembe; Pare: Mlama; Rangi: Msuharu,

Mungalinya, Musuharu; Sambaa: Mshihwi, Msungudi; Swahili: Mkarafuu

mwitu, Mlati, Myamayu, Mzambarau mwitu, Mzambarau ziwa, Mzuari;

Tongwe: Msabasaba; Zaramo: Mtalala mweupe, Mzati; Zinza: Mzeze.

ESCRIPTION: A medium-sized evergreen tree, 8–15 m, sometimes a flowering shrub,

the crown compact and rounded from a short thick trunk, sometimes buttressed.

BARK: Dark brown, rough and fissured, breaking into small squares;

branchlets square, edges winged. LEAVES: Very many, near the ends of

branches, clasping the stem in opposite pairs, the next leaf pair at right

angles, leathery, blue-green, oblong to circular, to 8 cm, leaf base heart

shaped (“cordatum”). FLOWERS: Dense branched clusters to 10 cm across,

pink-white, with conspicuous stamens, abundant nectar. FRUIT: Fleshy,

oval, to 1.5 cm long, purple when ripe, edible but acid, 1 seed.

COLOGY: A tree of montane woodlands and often found beside rivers, also in sea-

sonal swamps in medium to high altitudes, up to 1,800 m, in riverine thicket

and forests, doing well in sandy loam soils.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in most parts of Tanzania except the southern areas. Also in

Uganda and Kenya; from West Africa to Ethiopia, south through Central Af-

rica to South Africa.

SES:

Food:

The fruits are collected from the tree and eaten raw. They taste sweet and

are eaten both as a snack and a famine food.

Medicinal: Bark and roots are boiled and the decoction drunk as a remedy for

indigestion.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for timber, firewood, charcoal, spoons, stools, beehives

and canoes. Fruits produce a purple dye. The tree is used for shade and is a

source of bee forage.

EASON: Fruits are available from November to May.

TORAGE: Not stored.

637

THE SPECIES

MANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, but also protected in gardens for easy ac-

cess. Can be propagated using fresh seed.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

Syzygium cordatum (contd) Myrtaceae

Flower heads

Fruit

638

THE SPECIES

Syzygium guineense Myrtaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Barabaig: Geta-da-qwal, Sonari; Bende: Mulalambo, Mulambo;

Chagga: Masdi, Mmasai; Digo: Mugiaki, Muziahi, Muziyahe; English:

Waterberry, Water pear; Fipa: Mlalambo, Msu, Musu; Gogo: Muhulo, Muhuu;

Ha: Mbogonte; Haya: Mchwezi, Muchwesi; Hehe: Muvengi, Muvengi lutanana;

Iraqw: Irgatu, Matlarmo; Kerewe: Issassa; Luguru: Msalazi; Makonde:

Mpegele, Nguluka; Matengo: Mkowosi, Nkolo; Maasai: Olairagai, Oleragi;

Ngoni: Makohozi, Makowozi, Matunda, Mkohozi; Ndendeule: Makowozi (fruit),

Matunda, Mhuruhuru, Mkohozi; Nyakyusa: Msengele, Muhu; Nyamwezi:

Kashamongo, Kasyamongo, Mwasya, Mzambalawe; Pare: Mlama; Rangi:

Mbajiru, Mkamati, Mkomati, Musuharu, Muswaru; Ngindo: Muhuluhuti;

Rufiji: Msarabo; Sambaa: Mschihui, Mshihwi, Mshiwi, Muhuba, Muhula,

Sambarau; Swahili: Mzambarau mwitu, Mzuari; Tongwe: Lusangabale,

Msabasaba; Zaramo: Mzarabo; Zigua: Muvenge, Muwenge; Zinza: Mgege,

Msangura.

ESCRIPTION: A densely leafy forest tree, usually 10–15 m, up to 25 m, the trunk

broad and fluted and the crown rounded and heavy, branchlets droop-

ing, stems thick and angular. BARK: Smooth when young, black and rough

with age, flaking, producing a red watery sap if cut. LEAVES: Young leaves

purple-red but mature leaves dark green, opposite, shiny and smooth on

both surfaces, the tip long but rounded, on a short grooved stalk. Leaves

variable in shape. FLOWERS: White, showy stamens, in dense branched

heads 10 cm across, the honey-sweet smell attracting many insects; stalks

angular, square. FRUIT: Oval to 3 cm, purple-black and shiny, 1-seeded,

in big bunches of 20–30.

COLOGY: A tree which grows best in moist soils with a high water-table and beside

rivers but will also grow in open woodland, lowland riverine forest and wood-

land and lower montane forests, 0–2,100 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Widely distributed in tropical Africa and found in all parts of Tanza-

nia.

SES:

Food:

The pulp of the fruit is eaten and the kernel discarded. The ripe fruit are

collected from the tree or fallen on the ground. They should be collected

quickly after falling as they are perishable. A single tree can yield a consid-

erable amount of fruit. It tastes sweet and is eaten as a snack and famine

food.

Medicinal: A decoction from bark and roots is used as a remedy for stomach-

ache, intestinal worms and as a tonic and purgative. Fruits are used as a

remedy for dysentery.

639

THE SPECIES

Other: The wood is used for fuel, poles, withies, beams and spoons. Fruits pro-

duce a purple dye. The tree is used for shade and is a source of bee forage.

EASON: Ripe fruits are collected from February to May.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local peo-

ple. This species can be propagated using fresh seed.

TATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

Syzygium guineense (contd) Myrtaceae

Fruit

Flowers

640

THE SPECIES

Syzygium owariense Myrtaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bende: Kajibajiba, Kasiamongo; English: Waterberry; Fipa: Yunga;

Matengo: Ihugu, Mbuwa, Mhungu, Muhuwahuwi, Nhungu; Nyamwezi:

Kasyamongo, Mtumbu; Swahili: Mzambarau ziwa; Zinza: Mgege.

ESCRIPTION: A semi-deciduous multi-stemmed shrub or small tree up to 8 m, erect

branches to a bushy rounded crown. In swamp forests it grows small knee-

like breathing roots (pneumatophores). BARK: Grey, thick, smooth at first,

becoming dark grey, rough and flaking with age. LEAVES: Opposite, blue-

green, thick, leathery, smooth and shiny, about 10 cm long, leaf tip long

pointed but blunt, pink-yellow midrib, clear below, leaf stalk pink-red,

aromatic when crushed. FLOWERS: Creamy white or pink with numerous sta-

mens, sweet scented, in heads to 15 cm across, on angular square stalks.

FRUIT: Oblong and fleshy, about 1.5 cm long and 1 cm thick, green at first,

purple, then black when ripe, containing 1 seed.

COLOGY: Found in well-drained woodlands in lowl- and medium-altitude areas as

well as in swamp forests, on stream banks, in riverine thicket and woodlands at

higher altitude. It will also grow in semi-arid woodland, preferring stony ground

and hills. Up to 1,800 m; rainfall 1,200–1,700 mm. Tolerates a wide range of

soil types.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in the western and all southern areas of Tanzania, e.g. in

Mbeya, Rukwa, Mwanza and Songea Regions. Also in Uganda and from West

Africa to the Sudan, south to Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique.

SES:

Food:

The ripe purple fruits are collected and eaten raw. They have a fleshy soft

pulp and taste sweet. The seeds are discarded. Eaten as a snack.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: Fruits produce a purple dye. The wood is used for firewood and spoons.

The tree is a good source of bee forage.

EASON: Fruits are collected at the end of the rainy season and into the early dry

season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local peo-

ple. Can be propagated by seed.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: This is said to be the best Syzygium species for honey. The leaves and the

fruit contain the essential oil eugenol, which has been used for flavouring food.

Two other Syzygium species are also edible:

641

THE SPECIES

Syzygium owariense (contd) Myrtaceae

1. S. masukuense subsp. masukuense (English: Small-fruited waterberry; Hehe:

Muvengi; Nyamwezi: Kasyamongo, Msambalawe; Swahili: Mzambarau

mwitu) a shrub or small tree, 1.5–25 m, with pale brown bark and fleshy blue-

purple ripe fruits, which are collected from April to June. Occurs in Iringa and

Mbeya Regions; also Malawi, Zambia and southwards to South Africa;

2. Syzygium sclerophyllum (Gogo: Muhulo, Muhuu; Hehe: Muvengi, Mkwaliti;

Kerewe: Issassa; Nyakyusa: Nguluka; Sambaa: Mshushi; Zaramo: Mzati)

a tree 7–30 m high with brown flaking bark, white flowers and purple-black

fruits. It is found in Lushoto, Iringa and Mbeya Regions. Also occurs in Kenya.

Buds

Flower heads

Long-pointed leaf tip

642

THE SPECIES

Tacca leontopetaloides (T. involucrata) Taccaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Langa, Mwanga; English: East African arrowroot; Ngindo:

Utondo; Sambaa: Langa, Msakula, Mwanga; Swahili: Mlanga, Mwanga;

Tongwe: Kabuga; Zigua: Mwanga.

ESCRIPTION: A stout perennial herb, easily recognized by its habit, often only one,

characteristic, leaf and a green mottled stalk to 1.5 m tall, the underground

tuber to 10 cm across. LEAVES: 1–3, large, erect, the ridged stalk to 1 m

with a sheathing base, the leaf blade divided into 3, each part subdivided

again into irregular oval–rounded lobes, 3–12 cm long, from the winged

branches. FLOWERS: A head of 20–40 small green flowers tops a stalk

taller than the leaf, the head is surrounded by long thread-like bracts, pur-

ple with white tips, stiff at first then hanging down; also some leafy oval bracts

coloured green with purple. Each flower has 6 thick purple-green segments

8 mm long, the flower stalk lengthens in fruit to 4 cm. (See illustration.) FRUIT:

Rounded, with 6 ridges to 3 cm long, the green capsule containing many

red-brown seeds covered by a thin fleshy aril.

COLOGY: Grassland, bushland or woodland, usually on sandy soils, a weed of

cultivated or abandoned land, 0–1,100 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in western, eastern and southern Tanzania, including on

Zanzibar and Pemba Islands. Also on the Kenya coast, Uganda, other tropical

and subtropical areas from Asia to the Pacific, Madagascar, the Mascarene Is-

lands, Sierra Leone to Ethiopia, south to Zimbabwe.

SES:

Food:

Tubers are dug up from the ground, washed, grated, mixed with water and

the liquid filtered through cloth several times. Alternatively, the grated pulp

may be soaked in water for a week in order to remove some of the toxic

matter. The starch is then dried in the sun and made into porridge during

times of famine.

Medicinal: The stem is roasted and the sap squeezed out and used as a rem-

edy for earache (in the form of ear drops).

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used for ornamental purposes.

EASON: Tubers are collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: The dried starch obtained from grated tubers can be stored for several

months.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild; can be propagated by tubers and suckers.

TATUS: Occasional within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: Care should be taken when using this species for food as it is toxic.

643

THE SPECIES

Tacca leontopetaloides (T. involucrata)

Enlargement of small portion

of flower head to show bracts

Mature flower head with fruit

Thread-like bracts

Inner leafy bracts

Buds

Two outer bracts

Tuber

644

THE SPECIES

Talinum portulacifolium Portulacaceae

(T. cuneifolium)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Tonge; Kaguru: Mbwimbwi; Mwera: Nandele; Sambaa:

Tonge.

ESCRIPTION: A fleshy perennial herb, sometimes creeping, loosely rooted, often

growing up through thorny bushes, also shrub-like with woody basal stems,

1–5 m. LEAVES: Alternate, succulent, without stalks, very variable in

size but wider at the tip, which has a tiny point, about 4 cm long (to 7 x 4 cm),

veins not clear. FLOWERS: Arise from terminal stalks, one or more together,

bright purple-pink, over 2 cm across with 5 petals around many central

yellow stamens, open by noon, 2 green sepals below the flower. FRUIT: Ovoid

capsules about 8 mm long, shiny yellow-brown, breaking across to set free

tiny brown seeds.

COLOGY: Common in dry bushland, also on floodplains of rivers, steep rocky slopes,

disturbed roadsides, thin coastal soils on coral or limestone, 0–1,900 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in most parts of Tanzania. Also in Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia,

the Arabian peninsular, Burundi and Somalia.

SES:

Food:

Fleshy leaves and stems are chopped and cooked with other vegetables such

as Bidens or Cleome, and may be mixed with coconut milk or pounded ground-

nuts and served with a staple (ugali or bada).

Medicinal: A decoction of leaves is used as a remedy for constipation.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used for fodder and ornamental purposes.

EASON: Collected during and soon after the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated, but can be propagated by

seed and cuttings.

STATUS: Locally very common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: A known weed.

645

THE SPECIES

Talinum portulacifolium Portulacaceae

(T. cuneifolium)

Flower

Fruit capsules on

recurved stalks

646

THE SPECIES

Tamarindus indica Caesalpiniaceae

Indigenous [Plates 5 and 6]

LOCAL NAMES: Arusha: Olmasambrai; Bende: Mshishi, Msisi; Bondei: Mkwazu;

Chagga: Mkakyi, Moya; Digo: Mkwadzu, Mkwaju; English: Tamarind; Gogo:

Msisi; Gorowa: Mithingiti; Hehe: Mnyali, Munyali; Luguru: Mdai; Maasai:

Masamburai, Olmasambrai, Olmasumoei, Oloisijoi; Matengo: Ukwezu;

Mbugwe: Mosinko; Ngindo: Mkwaju; Ngoni: Mapohora; Nyamwezi: Msisi;

Nyaturu: Mkwaju, Mukwaju; Rangi: Mkwaju; Sambaa: Mkwazu, Nshishi;

Sandawi: /ank’á; Sukuma: Bushishi, Nshishi; Swahili: Mkwaju; Tongwe:

Lusisi; Vidunda: Mdai; Zaramo: Mkwesu; Zigua: Mkwazu; Zinza: Msisa.

ESCRIPTION: A large tree, up to 30 m, with an extensive dense crown. The short

bole can be 1 m in diameter. Evergreen, or deciduous in dry areas. BARK:

Rough, grey-brown, flaking. LEAVES: Compound pinnate, on hairy stalks to

15 cm, 10–18 pairs of leaflets, dull green, to 3 cm, oblong, round at the tip

and base, veins raised. FLOWERS: Small, in few-flowered heads, buds red,

petals gold with red veins. FRUIT: Pale brown, sausage-like, hairy pods, crack-

ing when mature to show sticky brown pulp around 1–10 dark brown

angular seeds.

COLOGY: A very adaptable species, drought hardy, preferring semi-arid wood-

lands and wooded grasslands. It tolerates salty soils, coastal winds and monsoon

climates, 0–1,500 m. It grows in most soils, even sand or coral, but prefers deep

alluvial soil, often riverine in very dry areas. A long, well-marked dry season

seems to improve fruiting.

ISTRIBUTION: It grows in all parts of Tanzania, most abundant in woodland and

thorn bush but prominent at the coast and in Zanzibar; widespread in the rest

of tropical Africa, into India and South East Asia.

SES:

Food:

– Fruits are edible. The pulp of mature fruits is sour and eaten only in small

amounts. Seeds are discarded.

– Fallen ripe fruit are collected, cleaned, soaked in water and mixed with por-

ridge and also used in making millet bread. The mixture tastes sour.

– The green fruit can also be picked straight from the tree and eaten fresh,

with the seed, as a snack. They are enjoyed mostly by children and are

eaten occasionally and usually in small amounts.

– Fruits are peeled, soaked in warm water, squeezed and filtered. Sugar is

added and the juice drunk before or after being cooled. Alternatively, the

juice is packed in small polythene packets, frozen and used as an iced lolli-

pop. In many parts of the world the fruits are used in curries, chutneys and

sauces. Also made into jam, sweets and eaten raw.

647

THE SPECIES

Medicinal:

– Leaves are chewed or pounded and used as medicine for treatment of diar-

rhoea, dysentery, stomach-ache, malaria, sore throat and fever, as poultices

for wounds, abscesses, snakebite and to treat mental disorders.

– A root decoction is used as a remedy for asthma, leprosy, liver disease, rheu-

matism, amenorrhoea, boils, fever, hookworm and ulcers.

– Pounded seeds are used as a remedy for dysentery.

Commercial: The fruits are marketed locally in most major towns.

Other: The wood is very hard and heavy and is used for firewood, charcoal,

general carpentry, boat building, poles, walking sticks, trays, tool handles,

pestles, bows and carvings. Leaves are used for fodder. The tree is used for

shade, and as a windbreak, firebreak, ornamental and source of bee forage.

EASON: Fruits are collected during the dry season.

TORAGE: The sticky pulp of the dried fruit is made into balls which can be stored

for about 2 years.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild. Protected by local people in compounds and

fields. Can be propagated using seed.

TATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: One of the most popular wild fruit in Tanzania.

Tamarindus indica (contd) Caesalpiniaceae

Mature pod and

angular seeds

Flowers

648

THE SPECIES

Tapiphyllum burnettii Rubiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Findokoli; Hehe: Fitokoli, Kindokoli; Nyamwezi:

Kambolambola; Rufiji: Nkobeliya.

DESCRIPTION: A shrub or small tree, 1.5–5 m, with slender branches, dense pale

rusty hairs on young parts soon lost. BARK: Purple-brown, grooved. LEAVES:

In opposite pairs, the oval blades to 9 cm long, the base more or less rounded

to a 2 mm stalk, green with some rusty hairs above but dense silver to

pale rusty soft hairs below, main veins a bit darker. FLOWERS: Pale green–

cream–white, the slender tube over 1 cm, with 5 narrow pointed lobes,

the style and stamens visible, 3 to many flowers at nodes, the calyx also pale

rusty hairy and buds pointed. FRUIT: Rounded, fleshy, 1–3 cm diameter,

orange yellow when ripe, covered with rusty hairs and containing 2–5 red-

brown seeds.

COLOGY: Ravines, streams and rocky places in thickets and woodlands, 1,200–

1,500 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in most highland areas of Tanzania. Also occurs in Zambia.

SES:

Food:

Fruits are edible. Ripe fruits are picked from the plant and eaten raw. They

are fleshy and taste like chocolate and are much liked by children and herds-

men.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used for ornamental purposes and is a source of bee forage.

EASON: Fruits are collected from October to April.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated, but can be propagated

from seed.

STATUS: Occasional within its area of distribution.

649

THE SPECIES

Tapiphyllum burnettii Rubiaceae

Fruit and seeds

Young fruits

Flower and buds

650

THE SPECIES

Tapiphyllum cinerascens var. cinerascens Rubiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Hehe: Kindokoli, Kitokoli; Nyamwezi: Kambolambola; Rufiji:

Nkobeliya; Sandawi: Sisimpirae.

DESCRIPTION: An erect shrub or small tree, 1–3 m, with the slender branches

spreading, branchlets covered with dense, rusty hairs which are usually lost

later. A woody rootstock, often quite large. LEAVES: Usually paired, opposite,

mostly 8 cm, long oval to a pointed tip, base rounded to a 6 mm stalk, rough

hairy above, dense soft hairs below, orange to grey, the stipule sheath

with pointed tips. FLOWERS: Small, pale yellow-green-white, axillary clus-

ters of 15 flowers, each long tubular with 5 lobes, rounded buds with an

orange-brown hairy calyx, about 4 mm long, and hairy bracts. FRUIT:

Rounded, crowned with the calyx remains, fleshy, yellow-orange-

brown-red when ripe, 8–9 mm across, covered with short and long brown-

ish hairs, containing 1–5 seeds.

COLOGY: Brachystegia woodland and secondary woodland, 1,100–1,300 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in the western and central parts of Tanzania, e.g. in Simbo

Forest Reserve. Also in parts of Central Africa, south to Zambia, Malawi and

Angola.

SES:

Food:

Fruits are fleshy and eaten raw as a snack, especially by children.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for fire sticks. The plant is important as a source of bee

forage and is suitable for ornamental purposes.

EASON: Fruits are collected from November to May.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Only collected from the wild, but can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Scattered within its area of distribution. Listed on the 1997 IUCN Red List

of Threatened Plants.

REMARKS: There are two other species of Tapiphyllum known to be edible:

1. T. discolor (Hehe: Kindokoli, Kitokoli; Nyamwezi: Kambolambola; Sukuma:

Kambolambola) a shrub up to 4 m high with whorled leaves and yellow fruits.

It is found in Kagera, Mwanza, Kigoma and Shinyanga Regions. Also occurs in

Burundi, Zambia and the Congo basin;

2. T. obtusifolium (T. floribundum) (Hehe: Kindokoli, Kitokoli; Nyamwezi:

Kambolambola; Rangi: Msambalawe) a shrub 2–8 m high, usually much-

branched with dark grey bark and dark green fruits. It is found only in Dodoma,

Singida and Iringa Regions and is also listed in the 1997 IUCN Red List of

Threatened Plants.

651

THE SPECIES

Tapiphyllum cinerascens var. cinerascens Rubiaceae

Stipular sheath

Fruit topped by

calyx remains

Tubular flowers

652

THE SPECIES

Thylachium africanum Capparidaceae (Capparaceae)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Mdudu; Gogo: Mwimachigulu; Maasai: Umududu; Pare:

Kishangalaji; Rangi: Mutungu; Sambaa: Shingaazi; Sandawi: Mtungu;

Swahili: Mdudu, Mtunguru; Zaramo: Mdudu; Zigua: Mdudu.

ESCRIPTION: A shrub or small tree to 7 m, stems branched or not from a thickened

tuberous rootstock. BARK: Smooth or rough, light grey, grooved. LEAVES: Sim-

ple or trifoliate and sometimes mixed, on a stalk to 6 cm, leaflets long

oval, 3–10 cm, stiff, wavy, edges thickened on wrinkled stalks. FLOWERS:

White and green (no petals), some purple on the stamen and ovary stalks, char-

acteristic fat buds arise in terminal or axillary groups, usually 1–10, each 7–14

mm across, breaking open to release many spreading wavy stamens

to 3.6 cm, a “cap” remains hanging to one side, the flower stalk is jointed.

FRUIT: Oval, 3–6 cm, clearly stalked with up to 12 ribs, containing many

seeds.

COLOGY: Deciduous woodland, bushland and thicket, grassland with scattered

trees, riverine forest, abandoned cultivated areas, 0–1,600 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in all parts of Tanzania. Also in Kenya, south to South Africa

and on Madagascar.

USES:

Food:

– Tubers are peeled, cooked and the water drained off several times to reduce

toxicity before being eaten with tea. Alternatively, the tubers are peeled and

soaked in water for about a week, then washed and dried in the sun. The

dried tubers are pounded and sieved. The resultant flour is used to prepare

uji or ugali which is eaten along with cooked vegetables.

– Fruits are eaten by children.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for firewood, tool handles and spoons. The tree is

useful for shade, as a source of bee forage and for ornamental purposes.

EASON: Tubers are usually collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Dried flour can be stored for several months.

ANAGEMENT: Tubers are collected from the wild, but the plant can be propagated

by seed and cuttings.

STATUS: Relatively common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: A famine food which can be toxic if not well prepared.

653

THE SPECIES

Thylachium africanum Capparidaceae (Capparaceae)

Calyx cap

Ribbed fruit capsules

Wavy stamens

654

THE SPECIES

Tragia insuavis Euphorbiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Hehe: Nyaluvafya; Sambaa: Mbawa.

ESCRIPTION: A slender, twining or trailing perennial herb with stinging hairs

on stems and leaves. Stems arise from a woody rootstock and twine anti-clock-

wise. LEAVES: Alternate, ovate to oblong, heart shaped at the base, or

straight, to a stalk 1–6 cm, blade 4–10 cm, the tip pointed, edge sharply toothed,

5–7 nerved from the base, bright green above, paler below. FLOWERS: Yel-

low-green, very small and inconspicuous, male and female flowers, beside

leaves on stalks 4–10 cm, sometimes opposite leaves, sepals hairy. FRUIT:

A lobed capsule, breaking into rounded sections.

COLOGY: Locally common in deciduous bushland and thicket, sometimes by lakes

or rivers and in disturbed places, 500–1,300 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania and also found in western Kenya. Not known

elsewhere.

SES:

Food:

Tender leaves are chopped and cooked alone or mixed with other vegetables

such as amaranth, beans or peas. Coconut milk, pounded groundnuts or

pounded sunflower seed may be added and then it is served with ugali, rice

or potatoes.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used for fodder.

EASON: Leaves are collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Leaves are collected from the wild, but the plant can be propagated

by seed.

STATUS: Locally common. Endemic to Tanzania and Kenya.

EMARKS: Also known to be a weed, and the nasty stinging hairs cause itching.

655

THE SPECIES

Tragia insuavis Euphorbiaceae

3-seeded

fruit capsule

Stinging hairs

on sepals

656

THE SPECIES

Treculia africana Moraceae

Indigenous [Plate 5]

LOCAL NAMES: English: African bread fruit, Wild jackfruit; Haya: Mbungu;

Luguru: Ezeya, Mjaya; Matengo: Maya, Mjaya, Mwaya; Ngoni: Maya.

ESCRIPTION: An evergreen tree, 15–30 m, up to 50 m, with a dense spreading

crown and a fluted trunk. BARK: Grey, smooth, thick, exuding white latex

when cut, which later turns rusty red. LEAVES: Simple, alternate, very large,

about 30 x 14 cm (up to 50 x 20 cm), dark green, shiny above, leathery, paler

below, with some hairs on the 10–18 pairs of clear veins, tip pointed, a

short stalk to 1.5 cm. Young leaves red or yellow. FLOWERS: In heads, pale

green at first, later brown-yellow, rounded, 2.5–10 cm across, male and fe-

male flowers usually separate, growing beside leaves (axillary) or on older

wood, even on the trunk. Numerous small white trumpet-shaped flowers cover

the round flower head. Over several months it increases in size and weight

reaching 10–15 kg when in fruit. An edible oil can be extracted from the seeds.

FRUIT: Compound, rounded, very large, up to 30 cm across, on the trunk

or main branches, containing the seeds, buried in spongy pulp (resinous, slimy

and inedible). The outer surface turns yellow and is covered with rough pointed

outgrowths. Inside are hundreds of peanut-sized edible orange seeds.

COLOGY: A forest species, often beside rivers, 0–1,200 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania. Also in Uganda, other parts of tropical

Africa and on Madagascar.

SES:

Food:

– Fruits are collected, the seeds removed and the slimy flesh washed off. Then

they are roasted in a pan and eaten with or without removing the outer coat

first. It is eaten as a snack and is very nutritious.

– Seeds are roasted, pounded and cooked with vegetables as a substitute for

other oily seeds (groundnuts).

Other: The wood is white, soft and used for rough timber, firewood and char-

coal. The tree is suitable as an avenue tree and for shade.

EASON: Ripe fruits are collected from the ground from November to January.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and often protected when land is cleared for

agriculture. The species can be propagated using fresh seed.

STATUS: Common but not easy to access since it grows in wet places deep in the

forest.

REMARKS: This tree has a potential for domestication on farmland, in valley and

riverine areas or as an avenue tree.

657

THE SPECIES

Treculia africana Moraceae

Young flower

heads on twig

Male flower heads

658

THE SPECIES

Tribulus terrestris Zygophyllaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Mbigii; English: Caltrops, Puncture vine; Hehe: Mbigili;

Ngindo: Mbigili ng’ombe; Nyamwezi: Mbigili; Pare: Ikongo, Ikonkho;

Sukuma: Mbigili, Mbigiri; Swahili: Mbigili, Mbigiri; Zaramo: Mbigili; Zigua:

Ikongo.

ESCRIPTION: A hairy annual plant with trailing branches radiating along

the ground to 90 cm from a taproot. Characters vary widely. LEAVES: Oppo-

site, with unusual larger and small leaves alternating along the stem,

pinnately lobed, the larger 7–8 cm with 8 pairs oval leaflets, the smaller with

only 4 pairs leaflets. FLOWERS: Small, bright yellow, solitary on stalks

about 1 cm from the leaf axils of the smaller leaves, 1.5 cm across with

5 spreading petals 4–8 mm long, 10 stamens. FRUIT: A hairy rounded cap-

sule, green at first, hardening to a 5-angled spiny fruit which splits into 5

triangular sections, each with numerous small and 2 larger very sharp

spines at the tip, containing seeds. The fruit stalk to 1 cm.

COLOGY: A plant of open and disturbed places, often on sandy soils and in culti-

vated areas, 0–2,300 m.

DISTRIBUTION: All parts of Tanzania and East Africa; a plant occurring worldwide,

found both in tropical and some warm temperate climates.

SES:

Food:

Leaves are chopped, washed and cooked alone or mixed with other veg-

etables. Coconut milk or groundnut paste may be added and then they are

eaten with a staple (Pare, Hehe, Gogo).

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used for fodder and is a source of bee forage.

EASON: Leaves are collected during and soon after the rainy season.

TORAGE: Leaves are pounded with other vegetables then dried and stored.

ANAGEMENT: Only collected from the wild and not cultivated. However, it may

easily be propagated by seed.

STATUS: Locally common.

EMARKS: A problematic weeds in farmland. A related species, T. cistoides, which

bears the same local names as T. terrestris, is also eaten as a vegetable. It can

be differentiated from T. terrestris by its hairless leaves and stems and its large

bright yellow flowers. It is confined mainly to the coastal plains of Africa from

Ethiopia southwards to Mozambique and Madagascar.

659

THE SPECIES

Tribulus terrestris Zygophyllaceae

Angled spiny fruit capsules

Unequal-length leaves

660

THE SPECIES

Trichilia dregeana Meliaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Forest mahogany; Ha: Mnyongayonga; Sambaa: Mbamba,

Mkungwina, Ngolimazi; Swahili: Mkungwina, Mtimaji; Tongwe: Kamoko,

Kampakampaka.

ESCRIPTION: A very large evergreen tree to 30 m, with a straight trunk dividing

into large branches and a rounded crown. Buttresses absent or small. BARK:

Fairly thin and smooth, brown with clear breathing pores (lenticels); when

cut, the bark edges (slash) are red and white. LEAVES: Compound, with

4–6 pairs leaflets plus one on a stalk to 10 cm, each leaflet about 12 cm long,

always wider towards the pointed tip, often rounded at the base. The 7–12

pairs veins below are widely spaced with a few hairs. Dry or fallen leaves

turn dark brown (T. emetica leaves dry to pale yellow-brown or olive green).

FLOWERS: Few, in branched sprays to 6 cm, each large flower with 5 cream-

white hairy petals over 2 cm long, the 10 hairy stamens joined in a ring

around the central style. FRUIT: A rounded capsule to 3 cm across, pink to dull

yellow-brown and hairy, without a neck to the fruit stalk, splitting into

sections when dry to set free large black seeds which are almost covered by

a soft red aril.

COLOGY: A tree of mid-altitude rainforest, riverine and swamp forest, 800–1,500 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania except central and southern areas, for ex-

ample, found in Kigoma, Kagera, Tanga and Kilimanjaro Regions. Also in Kenya

and Uganda and from Guinea in West Africa to Ethiopia in the east and south-

wards to the Cape Province of South Africa, and also Angola.

SES:

Food:

A fatty suspension obtained after squeezing the aril in warm water is used

for cooking.

Medicinal:

– A decoction of the roots is used to induce labour in pregnant women and to

treat intestinal worms, colds and infertility.

– The bark and leaves are used to treat fever, lumbago and dysentery.

Commercial: Seeds are sold for soap making.

Other: The wood is pink, moderately heavy and easy to work and is used for

timber, poles, furniture, domestic utensils, canoes, beehives, water troughs,

carving, firewood and charcoal. Since the tree is an evergreen it is used for

shade and as an ornamental. Oil from the seed is used commercially for

making soap, candles and cosmetics.

EASON: Fruits are collected from April to July.

TORAGE: Dried seeds can be stored for several months.

661

THE SPECIES

MANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, but often retained or planted in farmland. It

can be propagated using fresh seed.

TATUS: Locally common.

EMARKS: A promising tree for agroforestry.

Trichilia dregeana (contd) Meliaceae

Mature fruit capsule

Young fruit

662

THE SPECIES

Trichilia emetica Meliaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Chagga: Mbindiyo, Mchengo, Mkongoni, Mmbindio, Mtutu, Mwavai;

English: Cape mahogany; Natal mahogany, Gogo: Nyembemwitu, Myembe-

mwitu; Ha: Mtandaruka; Iraqw: Taewi; Luguru: Mgolemazi, Mjagengo,

Msukulilo, Mtengotengo; Maasai: Elkoroshi; Mbugwe: Letakaiko; Ngindo:

Muhukuliro; Nguu: Mgolimazi; Kaguru: Mgolemazi; Nyakyusa: Msanguti;

Sambaa: Mbangwe, Mbwewe, Mgolimazi, Monko-ya-nyika; Sukuma: Sungute;

Swahili: Mkungwina, Mtimaji; Tongwe: Kamoko; Zigua: Mgolimazi, Monko-

ya-nyika; Zinza: Mtandaruka.

ESCRIPTION: An evergreen tree, 15–30 m, with dark hanging foliage, pyramid

shaped when young, later the crown is rounded and heavy, the trunk rather

smooth. BARK: Grey-red-brown, finely grooved, later rough, scaling to show

green underbark. LEAVES: Compound, stalks and shoots softly hairy, 4–5

pairs leaflets, thick and shiny, leaflets increasing in size up to the largest

central leaflet which may be up to 16 cm long, the midrib below continues

into an unusual hairy tip. Leaves dry green to pale brown, 11–18 pairs

veins below are close together. FLOWERS: Inconspicuous, fragrant clusters,

cream-green, 5 thick petals around a hairy centre of stamens. FRUIT: Round,

red-brown hairy capsules to 3 cm across dry and split into 3–4 parts. A clear

neck to 1 cm long (unlike T. dregeana) connects the capsule to the fruit stalk.

Up to 6 shiny black seeds hang out of the open capsules, each one almost cov-

ered by a soft orange-red aril.

COLOGY: Found in coastal forest, drier types of riverine forests and woodland,

more rarely in rocky outcrops or in wooded grassland, 0–1,300 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Found in all parts of Tanzania, including on Zanzibar Island. Also

in Uganda, Kenya; widespread in Africa from Senegal to the Red Sea, through

Central Africa to South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal), and also in the Arabian pe-

ninsular.

SES:

Food:

Seeds are squeezed in water and the resulting tasty fatty suspension is used

for cooking.

Medicinal:

– The oil extracted from the seed kernel is used to treat rheumatism, leprosy

and fractures.

– An infusion of the leaves and bark is used to treat dysentery, fever, lumbago

and bruises.

– A decoction of the roots is used to treat intestinal worms, rheumatism, colds,

persistent infertility and to induce labour in pregnant women.

– An infusion from the bark is used as an emetic and for treating pneumonia.

663

THE SPECIES

Commercial: Seeds are sold commercially (Tukuyu, Mbeya).

Other: Has pink-brown to brown-grey wood which is straight grained and

easy to plane making it popular for furniture, household utensils, water

pots, beehives and canoes. The tree provides good shade and is suitable as

an avenue tree. Oil extracted from the seed kernel is used commercially for

making soap, candles and cosmetics.

EASON: Fruits are collected from April to July and November to December.

TORAGE: Dried seeds can be stored for several months.

ANAGEMENT: Usually collected from the wild, but also retained or planted on farms.

TATUS: Locally common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: A suitable and important tree for agroforestry.

Trichilia emetica (contd) Meliaceae

Seeds with aril

Open fruit

capsule

664

THE SPECIES

Trichodesma zeylanicum Boraginaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Sesemlanda; Chagga: Iwasha; English: Ceylon borage;

Gogo: Ilimi-lya-ng’ombe; Gorowa: Thaki; Rangi: Inyankumbi; Sambaa:

Sesemlanda; Swahili: Msasa mlanda; Tongwe: Mambamlele.

ESCRIPTION: An annual or perennial herb, shrubby, to 1.5 m high from a taproot,

stems woody at the base and densely rough hairy, irritating to handle.

LEAVES: Small upper leaves alternate, oblong, stalkless 2–12 cm, rounded

at the base, very rough hairy above, more soft paler hairs below. Lower leaves

to 16 cm x 5 cm across, on a stalk to 1 cm, all coarsely hairy. FLOWERS: Small

and drooping from many flowered heads, the slender flower stalks reddish,

hairy, about 3.5 cm, each flower tubular, 5 mm, with 5 lobes, pale to deep

blue, twisted at the tip, the centre white-pink-purple, darker spots at the

base; 5 long stamens, hairy at the base, reach out of the flower, the 5

pointed hairy sepals are about 1 cm and enlarge to 2 cm in fruit. FRUIT: 4

shiny grey-brown nutlets, 4 mm, one side round, 3 sides flat.

COLOGY: Found in disturbed dry bushland, grasslands, cultivated areas or as a

pioneer on disturbed ground both in well-drained and marshy or black-cotton

soil; up to 1,700 m.

ISTRIBUTION: In all parts of Tanzania, including Zanzibar and Pemba Islands;

Uganda, Kenya, Sudan, Ethiopia, Central and Southern Africa, also on Mada-

gascar and east to India, the Philippines and Australia.

SES:

Food:

Young leaves and shoots are chopped and cooked with other vegetables such

as amaranth or peas, and coconut milk or groundnut paste added. The veg-

etable is then served with a staple.

Medicinal:

– Roots are chewed or pounded and soaked in cold water. The infusion is used

as a remedy for tuberculosis, stomach-ache, poisoning and snakebite.

– Green leaves and roots are chewed and used as a poultice for fresh wounds,

boils and snakebite.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: Stems are used as fire sticks and the flowers are a source of bee forage.

EASON: Young leaves are collected in the early rainy season (December–Janu-

ary).

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Only collected from the wild, but it can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Locally very common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: One of the troublesome weeds in farms.

665

THE SPECIES

Trichodesma zeylanicum Boraginaceae

4 shiny grey nutlets

Flowering and fruiting stem

5 enlarged sepals

around fruit

666

THE SPECIES

Trilepisium madagascariense Moraceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Chagga: Mrua; English: Bastard fig, False fig; Hehe: Mfilafila;

Luguru: Mzugo; Rufiji: Msisingololo; Sambaa: Mzughu.

ESCRIPTION: An evergreen tree, usually 20–30 m high, diameter usually 50–100

cm, with straight clean bole to a small rounded crown with drooping branches.

BARK: Grey and smooth, when cut, white latex drips out; outer part of the

cut bark pink-red. The latex soon becomes violet and the whole area turns

brown. LEAVES: Simple, alternate, tough and leathery, dark shiny green above,

to 12 cm, on a stalk about 1 cm. The edge is rolled under and the looping

veins join up below the edge. The narrow tip is drawn out about 1 cm.

FLOWERS: Both male and female flowers develop inside the bell-shaped re-

ceptacle, about 1.5 cm long. Receptacle has a wide opening and stamens like

a cream-mauve brush hang out, about 1 cm across. The female parts are

hidden inside. FRUIT: When ripe, the fleshy oval receptacle (false fig), about

2 cm long, turns purple-black, contains a single seed in a hard nut.

COLOGY: Rainforest and other wetter evergreen forests, riverine and forest on

land with a high water-table, up to 1,800 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania except central and western parts; found,

for example. in Morogoro, Tanga, Arusha and Pwani Regions and on Zanzibar

Island. Also in Uganda, Kenya; from Guinea to southern Ethiopia and south to

Angola and South Africa.

SES:

Food:

Fruits are edible. Ripe fruits are fleshy and eaten raw as a snack. They are

sweet and much eaten by children.

Medicinal: Roots are pounded, soaked in cold water and the infusion mixed

with porridge made out of finger millet flour. The porridge is drunk as a

remedy for impotence (Bondei, Sambaa).

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for building poles, tool handles, spoons, bedsteads,

bows, gunstocks and carvings. The tree provides good shade. Latex from the

bark is used as lime for trapping birds.

EASON: Fruits are collected from October–December.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Fruits are collected only from the wild as the tree is not cultivated.

Propagation can be done using fresh seed.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

667

THE SPECIES

Trilepisium madagascariense Moraceae

Stamens protrude from

flower receptacle

Mature fruit

Young fruit

668

THE SPECIES

Triumfetta cordifolia var. tomentosa Tiliaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Fyofyokoe, Msosokolwe, Sosokolwe; Hehe: Lihana; Rangi:

Murenda; Sambaa: Fyofyokoe, Kidwanga, Msosokolwe, Sosokolwe; Swahili:

Mchochokoe; Zigua: Msosokolwe.

ESCRIPTION: A hairy perennial erect shrub up to 2.5 m, sparsely branched

stout stems thick at the base, red-brown, younger stems rough or with softly

brown-white hairs, mostly star shaped. LEAVES: Elongate to rounded, 6–

13 cm, the tip 3-lobed, base slightly heart shaped, on a stalk 4–6 cm, edge

doubly toothed, the upper surface dark green with tiny scattered star hairs,

quite rough while the lower surface is distinctly grey-brown-white, softly

hairy and some longer simple hairs, a pair of hairy triangular stipules at first.

The central lobe is long pointed to 4.5 cm, laterals smaller. FLOWERS: Or-

ange-yellow in a terminal head with 5–10 branches, each to 30 cm, bear-

ing numerous flowers at the nodes, 5 narrow sepals to 9 mm are spine tipped,

the outer surface brown-grey, densely hairy, 5 petals only 5–7 mm, the edges

with dense woolly hairs, 10–12 stamens in the centre with brown anthers.

FRUIT: A rounded bristly capsule about 1 cm diameter (a few white hairs),

the many bristles 3–4 mm long, tightly hooked at the tip, the green young

capsule becomes red then brown and shiny.

COLOGY: A plant of edges and clearings in wet forest, riverine forest or in marshy

areas, mostly at higher altitudes in the most western areas of East Africa, 900–

2,600 m. A colonizer at roadsides.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania, e.g. in Kagera, Mbeya, Mwanza, Iringa,

Tanga, Rukwa, Arusha and Kigoma Regions; Uganda, Kenya, from West Af-

rica through to Central Africa and south to Zimbabwe.

SES:

Food:

Tender leaves are chopped and cooked alone or mixed with other vegetables

such as peas or beans. Coconut milk or pounded groundnuts are added and

then they are served with ugali, rice, potatoes or bananas.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used as a broom and is a source of bee forage.

EASON: Leaves are collected during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Only collected from the wild but can easily be propagated from seed.

TATUS: Locally common.

EMARKS: Regarded as a bad weed.

669

THE SPECIES

Triumfetta cordifolia var. tomentosa Tiliaceae

One hooked bristle

enlarged

Fruit capsules covered

with hooked bristles

670

THE SPECIES

Tylosema fassoglense Caesalpiniaceae

(Bauhinia fassoglensis)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Fish-poison bean, Sprawling bauhinia; Luguru:

Mbalawala; Maasai: Esinkarua.

ESCRIPTION: A trailing or climbing herb or shrub to 6 m, sometimes woody be-

low, spreading out from a large underground tuber as long as 3 m, irregu-

larly cylindrical. Young parts covered with soft rust-red hairs, later grey.

The hairy tendrils fork and curl enabling the plant to scramble over other

vegetation. LEAVES: Distinctive heart shaped, bilobed, about 5–20 cm wide,

the notch shallow, never deeper than one-third of the length, stalk 2–20 cm,

rusty hairs below, especially on the nerves. FLOWERS: Attractive pale yel-

low–pink, butterfly shaped, 2–5.5 cm across, in hairy rust-red calyx cups,

spaced along a main stalk about 12 cm, 4 large petals, rounded, crinkled, to

4 cm long, one very small petal with a spur, only 2 of the 10 stamens

fertile, with red filaments and dark anthers. FRUIT: Pods broad and flat, dark

brown, leathery, 7–12 cm long, containing several oval flat seeds, dark brown–

black.

COLOGY: Grasslands, wooded grasslands, woodlands and forest edges in medium-

altitude areas, up to 1,500 m; rainfall 1,000–1,600 mm. Tolerates a wide range

of soil types but thrives well in red or yellow sandy clay loams.

ISTRIBUTION: Eastern and central tropical Africa from the Sudan south to South

Africa. In Tanzania it is found in all parts except in Arusha and Kilimanjaro

Regions.

SES:

Food:

– The seeds are collected and placed in hot ashes for 3–4 minutes to bake and

then eaten as a snack (Luguru, Hehe). They taste like beans.

– Seeds are boiled or roasted in a pan, a little salt added and then they are

eaten (Luguru, Vidunda).

Medicinal: A root decoction is used as a remedy for stomach-ache and diar-

rhoea (Luguru).

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The plant is used for fodder, as a source of bee forage and for ornamen-

tal purposes.

EASON: Collected at the end of the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local peo-

ple. It can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

671

THE SPECIES

REMARKS: Pods are eaten raw when young, but cooked when older (Zimbabwe).

The large tuber is crushed and pounded to make a fine meal used to make

porridge (Zimbabwe). The plant has been cultivated in the Sudan for fish poi-

son (rotenone) and for an insecticide obtained from the leaves.

Tylosema fassoglense (contd) Caesalpiniaceae

Pods

Flower head

Tendrils

Seeds within

pod section

672

THE SPECIES

Typhonodorum lindleyanum Araceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Giant aroid; Swahili: Mgombakofi, Mtongonya.

ESCRIPTION: A giant perennial herb with erect banana-like false stems to 4

m tall, 30 cm thick at the base, rather fleshy, with irritant sap, arising from an

underground rhizome, the true stem. LEAVES: Leaf stalk and sheath to 3 m,

the base white-pink, striped and spotted purple-black, the blade to 140 cm

long, 85 cm, wide shaped like an arrow head. FLOWERS: Typical of the

family, arise on a columnar spadix to 55 cm long, yellow-white, the ovary

red-yellow, surrounded by a white leaf-like enclosing spathe to 80 cm

which bends over in fruit. FRUIT: Large, oval, containing round berries,

about 4 cm across, yellow when ripe, 1–2 flattened brown seeds inside.

COLOGY: Usually in pure stands in fresh water swamps near the sea.

ISTRIBUTION: Found only in Zanzibar and Pemba Islands; Madagascar, Comoro

and Mascarene Islands.

USES:

Food:

The thick rootstock is dug up from the ground, peeled and cut into small

slices. The slices are boiled and washed several times in order to remove

some of the toxic matter, then coconut milk added and eaten. Alternatively,

the slices are soaked in water for two days and dried in the sun. The dried

slices are pounded into flour which is cooked into ugali.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The leaves are used for thatching and mulching. The plant is used for

ornamental purposes.

EASON: Rootstocks are dug up during the rainy season.

TORAGE: Dried slices and the flour can be stored for several months.

ANAGEMENT: Only collected from the wild, but can be propagated by seed and

suckers.

STATUS: Occasional, but in pure stands within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: Used only as a famine food and often causes itching in the throat.

673

THE SPECIES

Typhonodorum lindleyanum Araceae

Spadix tip

Fruit showing berries

Plant habit

Leaf

Leaf-like spathe

Base of spadix

with “flowers”

674

THE SPECIES

Uapaca kirkiana Euphorbiaceae

Indigenous [Plates 5 and 6]

LOCAL NAMES: Bena: Mguhu; Bende: Mkusu; English: Wild loquat; Ha: Mgusu,

Umugusu; Hehe: Mguhu, Mkusu; Matengo: Hekela, Msuku; Ndendeule:

Mahuko; Ngoni: Masuku, Msuku; Nyakyusa: Mkuhu; Nyamwezi: Mkusu;

Nyasa: Masuku; Swahili: Mkusu; Tongwe: Ikusu; Zigua: Mhungu.

ESCRIPTION: A much-branched semi-deciduous tree up to 9 m with a rounded

crown. BARK: Dark grey or grey-brown with vertical fissures. LEAVES:

Simple, alternate or in whorls, confined to ends of branchlets. Shiny dark green,

thick and coarse, usually about 17 cm long, orange-yellow, woolly hairs

below and on veins, tip notched. FLOWERS: Male and female flowers pro-

duced on different trees. All flowers are greenish yellow, inconspicuous, grow-

ing from old wood. FRUIT: Rounded, rusty green berry, to 3 cm diameter, turn-

ing rusty yellow when ripe, sweet pulpy flesh surrounds 3–4 seeds.

COLOGY: A tree which may occur in extensive pure stands in deciduous wood-

lands, upland wooded grasslands and along streams, often on stony soils or

rocky slopes, 700–2,000 m. Regarded as an indicator of poor agricultural soils.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania; found, for example, in Mwanza, Iringa,

Kigoma, Rukwa, Songea and Mbeya Regions. Also in parts of Central Africa

and south to South Africa.

SES:

Food:

– The pulp of ripe fruits is fleshy, sweet and eaten raw. It is delicious and

much eaten by all age and gender groups. The pulp can also be used to

make jam.

– Ripe fruits are fermented and made into a local brew or wine.

– A pleasant juice is prepared by squeezing the fruits in water.

Medicinal: Roots are boiled and the decoction is used as a remedy for indiges-

tion and intestinal problems.

Commercial: Much marketed in areas where it occurs and is a source of many

people’s income (Iringa, Mbeya, Songea).

Other: The wood is used for firewood, spoons, bedsteads, stools and beehives.

The tree provides good shade.

EASON: Ripe fruits are collected from October to January.

TORAGE: The jam can be stored.

ANAGEMENT: Usually collected from the wild, but also protected by some farmers

and may be propagated by fresh seed.

TATUS: Locally very common.

EMARKS: A very important indigenous fruit tree in Tanzania. In South Africa

Masuku wine is made from this species.

675

THE SPECIES

Uapaca kirkiana Euphorbiaceae

Flowers

Rough, reticulated bark

Fruit

676

THE SPECIES

Uapaca nitida Euphorbiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Ha: Mhandehande, Umuhandehande; Matengo: Mhuku, Mtakalu;

Mwera: Mngeshelo; Ngindo: Mahekela, Muhekela; Nyakyusa: Mnyamsimbi,

Nsangisa; Swahili: Mtalala; Tongwe: Lulobe; Zaramo: Mtalala mwekundu;

Zigua: Mhugu; Zinza: Mhendambogo.

ESCRIPTION: A small- to medium-sized evergreen tree reaching 12 m with a light

rounded crown. BARK: Dark grey-black, rough, deep fissures and scaling ir-

regularly. LEAVES: Alternate, thin and leathery, shiny green above, no

hairs either side, with conspicuous veining, the tip rounded, the base nar-

rowed to a slender yellow-green stalk to 5 cm long, long oval, 5–16 cm,

edge wavy. FLOWERS: Male and female flowers on different trees. Flowers

cream-yellow, inconspicuous, axillary. FRUIT: Green-yellow, ripening orange-

brown in 6 months, round-oval, up to 2 cm long, 3-celled, on a short stem.

The yellow flesh around the seeds is edible and tasty (but not as good as U.

kirkiana).

COLOGY: A typical tree of the miombo woodlands of Tanzania, which are domi-

nated by Brachystegia and the associated wooded grasslands, 300–1,600 m.

DISTRIBUTION: A tree found in most parts of Tanzania excluding the north-eastern

areas; found, for example, in Mwanza, Songea, Rukwa, Lindi and Pwani Re-

gions. Also in parts of Central Africa and south to Mozambique, Malawi, Zam-

bia, Zimbabwe and Angola.

SES:

Food:

– The pulp of ripe fruits is fleshy and sweet and is eaten raw as a snack.

– A refreshing juice is made by squeezing fruits in water.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for firewood, charcoal, bedsteads and spoons. The tree

is used for shade.

EASON: Fruits are collected from November to December.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Fruits are collected from the wild as the tree is not cultivated, but it

can be propagated using fresh seed.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

677

THE SPECIES

Uapaca nitida Euphorbiaceae

Flowers

Shiny green fruit

Fruiting stalk

678

THE SPECIES

Uapaca paludosa (U. guineensis) Euphorbiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Swahili: Mchenza mwitu.

ESCRIPTION: A much-branched evergreen tree to 18 m, supported on very promi-

nent stilt roots which leave the bole up to 3–4 m above the ground; a dense

rounded crown of large leaves. BARK: Light brown–red-brown, scaly but gen-

erally smooth, vertical lines of lenticel dots, fissured with age. LEAVES:

Bunched at the ends of branchlets, thin and stiff, about 25 x 5 cm, with

10–20 main lateral veins on each side, clear below, tip rounded, narrowed to a

stalk about 5 cm. FLOWERS: Male flower heads towards ends of branchlets,

numerous yellow-green flowers surrounded by golden-yellow bracts,

stalks about 1 cm, bracts 1 cm. Female flowers similar but with a single

flower instead of the rounded head. FRUIT: Yellow, ovoid–round, about 2

cm diameter, 2–4 smooth green seeds inside.

COLOGY: Dominant in swamp forests, lakeside forests, fringing forest and as an

under-storey tree in lowland rainforest, 600–1,400 m.

DISTRIBUTION: From West Africa through Uganda into north-eastern Tanzania. It

occurs in forests around Lake Victoria and on islands in the Lake. It has also

been recorded at Turiani Falls in the Nguru Mountains (Morogoro District), at

Manyangu Forest and in Mwanihana Forest Reserve (Iringa District).

SES:

Food:

– The fruits are collected from the tree when ripe. The pulp is eaten fresh and

the seeds discarded. The fruit tastes avocado-like and is eaten as a snack

frequently and in moderate amounts.

– The ripe fruit can be squeezed into juice and drunk before or after being

cooled.

Other: The wood is used as timber for general purposes and for firewood, char-

coal, boxes, crates and for making domestic utensils such as spoons and cups.

The tree is used for shade.

EASON: Fruits are collected throughout the year with a peak in November–De-

cember.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local peo-

ple. Can be propagated using fresh seed.

STATUS: Common and very easily accessible within its area of distribution.

679

THE SPECIES

Uapaca paludosa (U. guineensis) Euphorbiaceae

Fruit and section

Stigma

Male flower

Female flower

Stilt roots

680

THE SPECIES

Uapaca sansibarica Euphorbiaceae

(U. macrocephala)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Ha: Umutobho; Matengo: Mtatanku; Nyakyusa: Kakuchu,

Nsangisa; Nyiha: Mkusu-mpareni; Swahili: Mchenza mwitu, Mouma, Mtalala,

Mtoto; Tongwe: Kakusufinya; Zaramo: Mtalala; Zinza: Mugusugusu.

ESCRIPTION: A small semi-deciduous tree to 14 m, often less, the crown heavy, flat

to rounded. BARK: Grey-black, smooth, then cracked into small square or

oblong scales, stout branchlets black. LEAVES: Alternate and simple, leath-

ery, usually shiny dark green in terminal tufts, about 12 cm but up to

45 cm x 25 cm, wider at the tip, which is rounded, base narrowed to a stalk

1–2 cm, lower surface dull with yellow veins, not more than 20 pairs of side

veins (more in U. kirkiana). FLOWERS: Male and female separate on different

trees, male flowers yellow-green surrounded by yellow leafy bracts, in

stalked clusters, female flowers solitary and stalked, styles fan shaped

and recurved. FRUIT: Rounded yellow-orange-brown and fleshy when

ripe, up to 2 cm diameter, containing 2–4 seeds, the edible flesh yellow, jelly-

like and sweet.

COLOGY: Common and locally co-dominant in deciduous and coastal woodland

and associated wooded grassland, also in evergreen woodland and riverine for-

est, 0–1,900 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in most parts of Tanzania except the central and north-east-

ern areas; e.g. in Morogoro, Pwani, Kigoma, Kagera, Mwanza, Mbeya. Also in

Uganda, from Sudan south to Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia and

Angola.

SES:

Food:

– Fruits are edible. Ripe fruits are sweet and eaten raw as a snack, especially

by children.

– A pleasant juice can also be made from the fruits.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for timber, tool handles, bedsteads, grain mortars and

beehives.

EASON: Fruits are available from June to August.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Fruits are collected from the wild as the tree is not cultivated, but it

can be propagated using fresh seed.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

681

THE SPECIES

Uapaca sansibarica (contd) Euphorbiaceae

Fruit

Leaf tip, below

Male flowers

Female flower

Enlarged male

flower

Fruiting branchlet

682

THE SPECIES

Urtica massaica Urticaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Maasai stinging nettle; Maasai: Endamejoi, Entameijoi,

Intameijo (plural), Olmbasa, Olnyal; Pare: Ivasha, Ivava; Sambaa: Tufia;

Swahili: Mpupu.

ESCRIPTION: An erect perennial herb to 2 m with few branches, forming loose

clumps from a creeping rhizome, the stems 4-sided and all parts with fiercely

stinging hairs, 1–2 mm long. LEAVES: Opposite, simple, oval, tip pointed, to

13 cm long, base cordate to a stalk to 4 cm, margin wavy, usually dou-

ble-toothed, upper leaf surface with stinging hairs as well as fine hairs, lower

surface with stinging hairs along nerves, brown membranous stipules, 1–2 cm

long, joined together, grow between leaf pairs. FLOWERS: Small, 1 mm, green-

ish, on pairs of spike-like stalks, 3–4 cm long, in the axils of upper leaves,

no petals; male flowers stalked, 4 sepals; female flower without stalks and 4

unequal sepals, the 2 larger ones enclose the ovary. FRUIT: A 1-cm white

achene, flat and oval, enclosed by sepals but dispersed separately.

COLOGY: A plant which does well in gaps, on disturbed ground in montane for-

ests, near human habitation, around cattle enclosures, in abandoned fields and

in secondary bushland after clearing of forests in high-altitude areas, 1,500–

3,200.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in the north and east of Tanzania. Also in Uganda, Kenya

and parts of Central Africa.

USES:

Food:

Tender leaves are collected, chopped, soaked in warm water and washed.

They are then cooked alone or mixed with other vegetables, then coconut

milk or pounded groundnuts may be added and the dish eaten along with

ugali. The vegetable is only used as a famine food and is handled with care

because of its stinging hairs (Pare, Sambaa).

Medicinal: A decoction of roots is used as a remedy for stomach-ache (Maasai).

Commercial: Not marketed.

EASON: Leaves are collected in the rainy season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Leaves are only collected from the wild, but it can easily be propa-

gated using seed and rhizomes.

STATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: U. massaica is regarded by the Maasai as a bad weed of their pasture

land and difficult to control. Many other Urtica species are used as vegetables

in other parts of the world.

683

THE SPECIES

Urtica massaica Urticaceae

Pairs of flower spikes

Double toothed

leaf margin

684

THE SPECIES

Uvaria acuminata Annonaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Digo: Mudzala, Mumbweni; Luguru: Msofu; Ngindo: Muhou;

Ngoni: Mhuani; Sambaa: Mleko, Mshofu, Msofu; Sukuma: Ihulungula;

Swahili: Mganda simba, Mgweni, Mwacha; Zaramo: Msofu; Zigua: Mshofu,

Msofu.

ESCRIPTION: A shrub or liane creeper to 5 m, leaves and branches with few or

many hairs. LEAVES: Long oval, alternate, 3–8 cm, usually wider at the well-

pointed tip, smooth above but few or many rough star-shaped hairs be-

low, base rounded to a short stalk. FLOWERS: 3 distinct sepals cover the

petals in bud, coarse star hairs rusty in colour, one or two flowers hang down

on flower stalks about 1 cm long, the 6 petals thin or fleshy, almost equal,

6–13 mm, white–pale yellow. FRUIT: Yellow or orange carpels in a bunch

on a stalk to 2 cm, green-brown at first, 5–15, round to ovoid, each 8–16 mm,

covered with rusty hairs and usually containing 1–2 shiny brown seeds.

COLOGY: Found in thicket, bushland and dry scrubby forest, also in wetter ever-

green forest or woodland, predominantly coastal, 0–800 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Growing in the eastern and southern areas of Tanzania, including

Zanzibar and Pemba Islands; found, for example, in Morogoro, Pwani, Tanga

and Lindi Regions. Also the Kenya coast, Mozambique and Madagascar.

SES:

Food:

– The pulp of ripe fruits is sweet and is eaten raw by sucking it out and dis-

carding the seeds.

– A refreshing juice is prepared by squeezing ripe fruits in water and adding

some sugar, then it is filtered and drunk before or after being cooled.

Medicinal: Roots are boiled and the decoction is used for the treatment of dys-

entery, snakebite, painful menstruation, stomach-ache and breast disorders.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for firewood, withies, bows, tool handles and walking

sticks. The tree is good for ornamental purposes and is a source of bee for-

age.

EASON: Ripe fruits are collected from July to September.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Fruits are only collected from the wild, but the species can be propa-

gated by seed.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

685

THE SPECIES

Uvaria acuminata Annonaceae

Ripe hairy fruit

cluster (monocarps)

Flowers hang down

686

THE SPECIES

Uvaria kirkii Annonaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Luguru: Msofu; Ngindo: Mkonjiganga; Sambaa: Msofu; Swahili:

Mcho, Mchofu, Msofu; Zigua: Msofu-simba.

DESCRIPTION: A shrub 1–2 m, or scrambler to 7.5 m. LEAVES: Broadly oval, the tip

flat or notched, 3–12 cm long, no hairs or a few star hairs below. FLOWERS:

Cream-yellow, solitary, terminal or leaf opposed, the 6 petals 30–45 mm long,

on stalks to 3 mm or stalkless. FRUIT: Oblong carpels 17–25 mm, the sur-

face densely hairy and with small warty bumps, each on stalks to 8 mm

and containing 5–8 edible seeds in pulp (not narrowed between seeds).

COLOGY: Coastal bushland, scrub thicket or grassland, Brachystegia woodland,

Hyphaene palm savanna, 0–400 m, sometimes riverine.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in coastal areas of Tanzania, including Zanzibar and Pemba

Islands; coastal Kenya, Mozambique.

USES:

Food:

The pulp of ripe fruits is sweet and eaten fresh as a snack. The seeds are

discarded.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for firewood, withies and tool handles. Roots produce

a black dye. The plant is good for ornamental purposes and as a source of

bee forage

EASON: Ripe fruits are collected from April to June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Usually collected from the wild, but can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

687

THE SPECIES

Uvaria kirkii Annonaceae

Clusters of oblong

fruit (monocarps)

Large flower petals

688

THE SPECIES

Uvaria lucida subsp. lucida Annonaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Digo: Mudzala; English: Large cluster pear; Sambaa: Mshofu;

Swahili: Mganda simba; Zaramo: Mchofu, Msofu; Zigua: Mshofu.

DESCRIPTION: A climbing shrub or liane 1–7 m. LEAVES: Long oval, usually wider

at the tip, 1–10 cm long, star-shaped hairs and scales on the lower surface.

FLOWERS: Yellow-green, 1–3 together, terminal, opposite leaves or above

leaf axils, petals only 7–20 mm, the cup-like calyx splitting into 3 as the

flower opens. FRUIT: Rusty hairy carpels, slightly bumpy, 9–30 mm

long, narrowed between the 3–12 seeds, on stalks 7–12 mm. A sweet ed-

ible flesh surrounds the seeds.

COLOGY: Lowland dry evergreen forest, wooded grassland and coastal bushland,

often on rocky outcrops. Also in riverine forest and Brachystegia woodland, 0–

1,500 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in eastern parts of Tanzania and in Zanzibar. Also coastal

Kenya. This subspecies is not known elsewhere. Subsp. virens is, however, found

in the Uluguru Mountains and generally in southern Africa south of the Zam-

bezi River.

SES:

Food:

– Ripe fruits are fleshy, sweet and eaten raw.

– Ripe fruits may also be used for making juice.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: Wood is used for firewood and withies.

EASON: Fruits are available from April to June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Fruits are collected from the wild as the plant is not cultivated, but it

can be propagated by seed.

STATUS: Locally common.

EMARKS: Roots of U. lucida are said to be poisonous.

689

THE SPECIES

Uvaria lucida subsp. lucida Annonaceae

Cup-like calyx

Flower

Fruit clusters (monocarps)

690

THE SPECIES

Vangueria apiculata Rubiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Chagga: Kaworo, Kiviroe, Mdowo, Mkondikondo, Ndawiro; Digo:

Muvuma; English: Tangle-flowered wild medlar; Ha: Mgugunwa,

Umugugunwa; Hehe: Msambalawe; Maasai: Engumieker, Engumi, Ilgum

(plural), Olgumi; Pare: Mdaria; Swahili: Mviru; Zigua: Mviru-mbago.

ESCRIPTION: A deciduous shrub or small tree 1.5–10 m. BARK: Smooth grey-brown.

LEAVES: Thin and papery (no hairs), more or less oval, the tip pointed,

about 13 cm long x 6 cm wide, 7–11 main veins each side of the midrib,

vein network clear below, stalk only 7 mm, stipules at the nodes quite thin, 8

mm long. FLOWERS: Beside leaves, green-white-yellow, in much-

branched bunches, tiny flowers tubular, calyx tubular, the 5 lobes more than

3 mm long. FRUIT: Green, becoming yellow-brown, rounded, 17–22 mm long,

edible.

COLOGY: Found in evergreen forest (Juniperus, Podocarpus), riverine, lakeside

forest, bushland thicket, grassland with scattered trees, often on termite mounds

or rocky outcrops, 900–2,200 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in Tanzania from Kilimanjaro to Kagera and south to Rukwa

Region. Also in Uganda and Kenya, from Ethiopia south to Malawi and Zimba-

bwe.

SES:

Food:

Ripe brown fruits are collected from the tree and eaten fresh and the seeds

rejected. They taste sweet and are eaten as a snack. A favourite fruit in the

areas where it occurs.

Medicinal: Leaves are used to treat stomach-ache. Roots are boiled and the

decoction used three times a day to treat intestinal worms.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The stems are used for building poles. The wood is used for firewood,

poles, pegs, tool handles, stirring sticks and charcoal. The tree is suitable for

agroforestry.

EASON: Fruits are collected in the dry season.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: It is collected from the wild, but is also planted or protected by local

people in their fields and homegardens. Can be propagated by seed.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

691

THE SPECIES

Vangueria apiculata Rubiaceae

Flower clusters at nodes

Fruit

692

THE SPECIES

Vangueria infausta subsp. rotundata Rubiaceae

Indigenous [Plate 6]

LOCAL NAMES: Arusha: Engumi, Loshoro, Olmadanyi; Barabaig: Babaxchet,

Barangu, Malharimog, Malharimo; Bondei: Mvilu, Mviu; Chagga: Kaworo,

Mbowe, Ndawiro, Ndowo; Digo: Mviru; English: False medlar, Wild medlar;

Fipa: Msanda; Gogo: Msada; Hehe: Msada, Msambalawe; Isanzu:

Mukungulusuli; Kerewe: Mufitanda; Luguru: Msada; Maasai: Engumi,

Engumi-etari Olgumi, Olmadanyi; Matengo: Lindikiti, Mapendo, Masada;

Meru: Imumua; Ndendeule: Mavilo makubwa; Ngoni: Mavilo makubwa;

Nyamwezi: Msada; Nyaturu: Mulade-mujenghuma; Nyiramba: Mkungu-

lusuli; Pare: Mdaria; Rangi: Muriru, Musada, Muviru; Rufiji: Msada;

Sambaa: Mvilu, Mviu; Sandawi: N/.uúk; Swahili: Mviru; Vidunda: Msada;

Zaramo: Msada; Zigua: Mvilu, Mviru, Mviu; Zinza: Mnyabwita.

ESCRIPTION: A deciduous, usually multi-stemmed bushy shrub or small tree, usu-

ally 1.5–5 m tall. BARK: Smooth and grey at first becoming rough and ridged

with age, young parts densely brown hairy. LEAVES: Opposite, large

oval, 4–30 cm long, on short stalks, leathery pale green with conspicuous net

veins, lighter below, soft dense hairs can be felt both sides, a pair of hairy,

triangular pointed stipules to 1 cm at the nodes. FLOWERS: White-yel-

low-green, densely clustered on hairy branched heads, the stalks about

3 cm, each flower to 5 mm, corolla with spreading hairs outside, soon fall-

ing. FRUIT: A round berry, the tough skin pale brown and smooth when

ripe, 2–4 cm across, containing about 5 seeds in a soft, brown pulp. Young

fruit shiny, dark green with a circular mark (flower remains) at the tip.

COLOGY: Dry evergreen forests, fringing forest, woodland, Acacia bushland, grass-

land with scattered trees, rocky thickets, 0–2,100 m. (Subspecies differ in leaf

size, hairiness, altitude and distribution.)

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania; Kenya, Uganda, Mozambique, Malawi.

Very similar subspecies grow from Central Africa to South Africa.

SES:

Food:

– Fruits are edible. Ripe fruits are collected from the tree and eaten raw. They

are sweet and liked and eaten by many people in areas where they occur.

– Ripe fruits are fermented and made into a local brew (Hehe).

Medicinal:

– Roots are boiled and the liquid is used as treatment for STDs.

– A decoction of roots is used as a remedy for stomach-ache, infertility and

intestinal worms.

– Roots are chewed and applied on the site of a snake bite.

Commercial: Sold in local markets (Chagga, Hehe, Sambaa, Rangi).

Other: The wood is used for firewood, building poles, tool handles, pegs and

693

THE SPECIES

spoons. Small branches are used for stirring milk and cooking vegetables.

The tree is good for shade and as an ornamental.

EASON: Ripe fruits are collected from November to July.

TORAGE: Dried fruits can be stored for about a year and then soaked in warm

water for about 12 hours when required for eating.

ANAGEMENT: Usually collected from the wild, but the species is now being retained

and protected in cultivation. Propagation can be done using scarified seed.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: This species is one of the most popular wild fruit trees in Tanzania that

requires and deserves immediate cultivation and breeding.

Vangueria infausta subsp. rotundata (contd)

Enlarged flower

Variable leaf

shapes

Fruit

Calyx scar

694

THE SPECIES

Vangueria madagascariensis Rubiaceae

(V. acutiloba)

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Arusha: Engumi, Loshoro, Olmadanyi; Barabaig: Babaxchet,

Barangu, Malharimog; Chagga: Kaworo, Ndawiro, Ndowo; English: Com-

mon wild medlar, Wild medlar; Fipa: Msada; Gogo: Msada; Hehe:

Msambalawe; Iraqw: Erakwtu, Irakwtu; Kerewe: Mfitanda; Maasai: Engumi,

Olgumi, Olmadanyi; Matengo: Lindikiti; Meru: Imumua; Nyamwezi: Msada;

Nyaturu: Mulade, Mulade-mujenghuma; Nyiramba: Mkungu-lusili, Mkungu-

lusuli, Mubilu; Pare: Mbiro, Mdaria; Rangi: Musada, Muviru; Sandawi: N/

.unk’máxáe; Swahili: Mviru.

ESCRIPTION: Usually multi-stemmed and deciduous, the tree may reach 15 m.

BARK: Pale to dark grey, fairly smooth, becoming scaly. LEAVES: Clustered at

the ends of branches, large, limp, glossy green, broadly oval to 20 cm,

usually smaller, opposite, the tip pointed, the margin wavy, veins clear below;

leaves almost hairless. Leafy stipules on the young shoots. FLOWERS:

Small, few, in hairy stalked heads, petals green-yellow, lobes of tubular

corolla about 4 mm, 5 lobes of the tubular calyx less than 2 mm long. FRUIT:

Rounded, green, 2.5–5 cm across, often in bunches of 5–6, yellow-brown

and edible when ripe, containing 4–5 hard seeds. Each seed 1.5-cm long.

COLOGY: Evergreen forest, riverine forest and woodland, bushland, grassland and

scattered trees, sometimes on rocky outcrops or termite mounds, 0–2,100 m.

DISTRIBUTION: It grows throughout Tanzania, including Zanzibar and Pemba. Also

from West Africa to Sudan, Ethiopia and south into South Africa. It is culti-

vated in Madagascar, the Congo basin, India and the West Indies.

SES:

Food:

Ripe juicy fruits are collected from the tree, peeled and the pulp eaten fresh.

It has a mealy taste, like Irish potatoes, and is eaten as a snack.

Medicinal:

– A decoction of roots is used as a remedy for various intestinal worms.

– An infusion of the bark is used for treating malaria.

Commercial: Sold in local markets.

Other: The wood is used for firewood, poles, charcoal, tool handles, pegs and

stirring sticks.

EASON: It is collected during dry spells, mostly in June–July.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and usually not cultivated by local people,

but often retained in farms during clearing. Can be propagated by seed. The

tree is occasionally planted.

695

THE SPECIES

STATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

Vangueria madagascariensis (contd)

Mature fruit

Enlarged flower

Flowers and young fruit

696

THE SPECIES

Vangueria volkensii Rubiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Arusha: Engumi, Olmadanyi; Chagga: Kaworo, Ndawiro, Ndowo;

English: Wild medlar; Haya: Mgugunwa; Hehe: Msambalawe; Maasai:

Engumi, Olmadanyi, Olgumi; Pare: Mdaria; Sambaa: Mvilu, Mviu; Swahili:

Mviru; Vidunda: Msada.

ESCRIPTION: A shrub or small tree 4–9 m, young stems with short soft hairs,

branches often arching when mature. LEAVES: Long oval and long pointed,

3–17 cm, the base narrowed or nearly heart shaped, both leaf surfaces with

short dense hairs. FLOWERS: A branched flower head from the leaf axil,

over 2 cm, green-cream-yellow, fairly dense, the corolla tube to 5 mm and

hairy within, with 5 short lobes, buds over 5 mm long and the calyx lobes

strap shaped, 3–8 mm. FRUIT: A rounded berry, green, turning brown,

to 3 cm diameter, with soft acid-sweet pulp around the seeds.

COLOGY: Found at evergreen forest margins, often associated with Juniperus and

Podocarpus, in riverine forests, wet valleys, bushland, rocky places in wooded

grassland and on termite mounds, 900–2,500 m.

ISTRIBUTION: In most parts of Tanzania, e.g. in Kagera, Arusha, Tanga, Iringa,

Songea and Mbeya Regions. Also Kenya and Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan, Rwanda

and the Congo basin.

SES:

Food:

Fruits are edible. Ripe fruits are collected from the tree and eaten fresh.

They are sweet and much liked by people of all ages.

Commercial: Fruits are sold in local markets (Iringa).

Other: The tree is used for firewood, poles, handles and stirring sticks.

EASON: Fruits are collected from April–August.

TORAGE: Dried fruits can be stored for about 12 months and then soaked in water

for 6–12 hours before being required for eating.

ANAGEMENT: Fruits are usually collected from the wild, but sometimes retained

and protected by the local people in their farms; can be propagated using scari-

fied seed.

TATUS: Locally common.

EMARKS: A popular wild fruit tree which merits domestication and improvement.

697

THE SPECIES

Vangueria volkensii Rubiaceae

Flowers and young fruit

Buds

Fruiting branch

Typical oblong calyx lobes

698

THE SPECIES

Vangueriopsis lanciflora Rubiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Crooked false medlar; Hehe: Msambalawe lulenga;

Nyamwezi: Mgelelya, Mungelelya.

ESCRIPTION: A shrub or small tree, 7 m or more, with spreading more-or-less hori-

zontal branches. BARK: Smooth, grey on trunk and older branches; powdery

red-brown on young branches, flaking to show brown-pink underbark.

LEAVES: Variable, 3–13 cm long, oval and opposite, blue-green, roughly hairy

above or smooth, but grey-white hairs below, tip rounded or not, edge wavy,

on a stalk about 1 cm. FLOWERS: Appear before the leaves, tubular green-

yellow buds, hairy, about 2 cm long, open to reveal white petals which curl

back, sweet scented and showy. Flowers borne in leaf axils. FRUIT: Rounded

when it has 2 seeds but one-sided when only 1 seed develops, up to 3 cm

long, green and hairy, becoming yellow-brown; fleshy slightly acid pulp

around seeds.

COLOGY: Found in Brachystegia–Julbernardia woodland and wooded grassland,

often associated with rocky outcrops, 1,100–1,400 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Occurs in western and southern Tanzania. Also in parts of Central

Africa and south to South Africa.

SES:

Food:

Ripe fruits are collected from the tree or picked up from the ground and

eaten raw. They are fleshy, juicy and sweet and are much sought after by

people, birds and monkeys. Mature fruits can be collected and kept covered

in the shade for several days to ripen. They are peeled, the flesh sucked out

and swallowed together with the seeds.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for firewood and spoons. The tree provides shade and

is a source of bee forage.

EASON: Ripe fruits are collected from October to December.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Usually collected from the wild, but sometimes retained in farms by

local people. The tree can be propagated by fresh seed.

STATUS: Occasional within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: A very important fruit tree which merits being given high priority for

domestication and breeding.

699

THE SPECIES

Vangueriopsis lanciflora Rubiaceae

Flower head

Young fruit

Dry fruit

Buds

One enlarged flower

700

THE SPECIES

Vigna pubescens Papilionaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Chagga: Ngolowo; Hehe: Nyanandala; Ngindo: Kikochongo;

Nyamwezi: Nsili zya mwipolu; Swahili: Kunde mwitu; Zaramo: Kunde-mbala;

Zigua: Nkunde.

ESCRIPTION: A hairy perennial climbing herb, 1–2 m, stems covered with short

white hairs. LEAVES: Compound, with 3 leaflets, hairy both sides, the

largest central leaflet 5–10 cm, may be deeply 3-lobed with extra lobes at the

base, laterals one-sided and variously lobed, the main stalk 2–7 cm, a pair of

thin long-pointed stipules at the base with a characteristic spur, 4–9, mm

projecting outwards. FLOWERS: Pea shaped, purple, the standard 1–2

cm long and wide, tip notched, 2 paler lateral lobes, the keel paler with a

short beak (no keel pocket), the tubular calyx usually hairy, the 5 lobes longer

than the tube, the flower stalk with a few stiff hook-like hairs below the flower.

FRUIT: Pods held erect, cylindrical 5–8 cm, covered with short, dense

hairs, often reddish, containing 15–18 seeds, dark red, speckled black.

COLOGY: Bushland, grassland, grassland with scattered trees, 0–1,000 m. Very

similar to V. unguiculata apart from the white hairs.

DISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania. Also in Kenya and Uganda; parts of Cen-

tral Africa and south to Mozambique.

SES:

Food:

Green leaves are collected, chopped and cooked alone or mixed with other

vegetables or meat. Coconut milk or pounded groundnuts can be added to

make the dish more tasty, then it is eaten with ugali or rice.

Commercial: Leaves are sometimes sold in local markets (Korogwe, Muheza).

Other: The plant is used for fodder.

EASON: Leaves are collected during the rainy season and seeds are collected dur-

ing the early dry season.

TORAGE: Dried leaves and seeds can be stored for several months.

ANAGEMENT: Only collected from the wild, but it can easily be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

701

THE SPECIES

Vigna pubescens Papilionaceae

Stipule

Seeds

Fruit pods

702

THE SPECIES

Vitex doniana Verbenaceae

Indigenous [Plate 6]

LOCAL NAMES: Bena: Mfudu; Bondei: Mgobe; English: Black plum; Fipa: Kiputu,

Mchinka, Mfuru, Mufita; Gogo: Mfulu; Gorowa: Orrolmo; Isanzu: Mfulu;

Kerewe: Mukoronto; Luguru: Mfuru, Mkoga; Matengo: Fudwe, Mfudu,

Mpitimbi, Mptimbwi; Mwera: Mpindimbi; Ndendeule: Fudwe, Mfudu,

Mpitimbi; Ngindo: Mfulu bonde; Ngoni: Fudwe, Mfudu, Mpitimbi; Nguu:

Mgobwe; Nyamwezi: Mfulu, Mfululegea, Mfuzu, Mpulu, Mpuru; Nyiha:

Mkunungu; Rangi: Mpuru; Sambaa: Mgobe; Swahili: Mfudu, Mfuru, Mfuu;

Tongwe: Lufulu; Vidunda: Mkoga; Zaramo: Mfuru; Zigua: Mgobe; Zinza:

Muvuru.

ESCRIPTION: A small or large tree, 8–14 m, with a heavy rounded crown and a

clear bole. BARK: Pale brown or grey-white, with long fissures and scales.

LEAVES: Opposite and compound, the five leaflets digitate (like fin-

gers), leathery and shiny, each leaflet stalked to 22 cm long, tip rounded or

notched, lower leaflets smaller. FLOWERS: Fragrant, in dense bunches on a

long stalk, to 12 cm across, each flower cream with one hairy violet lobe;

the calyx enlarging to a hairy cup around the fruit. FRUIT: Oblong, to 3 cm,

green, marked with white dots, black when ripe, edible starchy pulp around

the hard inner stone containing 1–4 seeds, dispersed by monkeys.

COLOGY: A savanna species in wooded grassland; also at forest edges, 0–2,000 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread throughout Tanzania, including Zanzibar and Pemba;

throughout tropical Africa from Senegal to Cameroon, Mozambique, Malawi,

Zambia, Zimbabwe to Angola, Comoro Islands. Has been cultivated in some

places.

SES:

Food:

– The ripe fruit are black, edible, sweet and mealy. May be collected from the

ground when ripe (black) and the soft fleshy part eaten, while the inner

stone is rejected. It is frequently eaten as a snack. A well-known fruit eaten

in many of the areas of Tanzania where it occurs.

– If the hard shell of the inner stone is cracked open the seeds inside are edible

and eaten mostly by children.

Medicinal:

– A decoction of the roots is used as a remedy for backache in women.

– Juice from pounded leaves is squeezed into the eyes to treat eye disease.

– An infusion of the leaves is added to alcoholic brews to make them stronger.

Commercial: Fruits are sold in local markets (Songea, Iringa, Tabora, Kigoma).

Other: The tree provides good timber for furniture. The wood is also used for

firewood, charcoal, carvings, gunstocks, spoons, tool handles and beehives.

The tree is also used for shade.

703

THE SPECIES

SEASON: Fruits are collected from April to July.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local peo-

ple. The species is easily propagated from seed and root suckers.

TATUS: Common, and a single tree can yield much fruit.

EMARKS: A favourite tree for hanging beehives in Zambia. One of the most wide-

spread and useful Vitex of East Africa.

Vitex doniana (contd) Verbenaceae

Calyx cup

Flower head

Ripe fruit

704

THE SPECIES

Vitex ferruginea Verbenaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Mgobe, Mugobe; Fipa: Kiputu; Gogo: Mfulu; Haya:

Omufuru, Omukanse; Hehe: Mfudu; Luguru: Mfulu, Mfuru; Mwera: Mfuru;

Nyamwezi: Mfulu, Mfulugenge; Nyaturu: Mufuu; Nyiramba: Mupulu;

Sambaa: Mfulu, Mfuru, Mgobe; Swahili: Mfudu, Mfulu, Mfuu, Mgege, Mtalali;

Tongwe: Kabulampako; Zaramo: Mfuru; Zigua: Mfuru, Mgobe, Mugobe.

ESCRIPTION: A shrub to 4 m, or a tree to 13 m, trunk slightly fluted, often decidu-

ous and flowering with young leaf growth; branchlets with yellow-rusty brown

hairs which are found on many other parts of the plant. BARK: Smooth, light

grey with shallow grooves and small pieces flaking off with age. LEAVES: Com-

pound and opposite with 3–7 digitate leaflets (like fingers), unequal size,

the largest 5–14 cm, with a long pointed tip, the upper surface dull with few

hairs, lower surface with rusty hairs and clear veins, leaflets stalked to 1

cm long but a long hairy leaf stalk up to 12 cm. FLOWERS: In dense heads

beside leaves, on stalks to 5 cm, with narrow leafy bracts; calyx and outside

petals all hairy. Small tubular flowers about 1 cm long have 1 blue-

violet lobe and 4 white lobes, the throat hairy and sometimes yellow. FRUIT:

Rounded and fleshy, green with white spots, turning shiny black when ripe,

to 4 cm long, edible. The calyx enlarges in the fruit.

COLOGY: It is found in coastal bushland and at edges of cultivation, dry lowland

forest and Brachystegia woodland, 0–1,400 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania; occurs, for example, in Kagera, Pwani,

Tanga, Morogoro and Songea Regions. Also occurs in coastal Kenya, Uganda,

Somalia, south to Mozambique and South Africa.

SES:

Food:

Fruits are edible. Ripe fruits are black, fleshy, sweet and eaten raw. The

pulp is eaten and the hard stone discarded.

Medicinal: Leaves are chewed to treat sore and swollen throat.

Commercial: Sold in local markets.

Other: The wood is used for firewood, charcoal and spoons.

EASON: Ripe fruits are collected from April to June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Ripe fruits are collected from the wild. The tree can be propagated

by seed.

STATUS: Occasional within its area of distribution.

705

THE SPECIES

Vitex ferruginea Verbenaceae

Flowers

Fruit showing

enlarged calyx

Fruiting branch

706

THE SPECIES

Vitex fischeri Verbenaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Fipa: Kiputu; Nyamwezi: Mfuzu, Mpulu; Sukuma: Mfulu, Mpulu;

Swahili: Mfudu, Mfuu; Zinza: Mhunda.

ESCRIPTION: A savanna shrub or deciduous tree, 3–15 m, the spreading crown

rounded, outer branches often hanging down nearly to the ground. Young

branches, shoots, leaf stalks and undersides of leaves with dense orange-yel-

low hairs. BARK: Grey to dark brown, with long shallow fissures. LEAVES:

Compound palmate, strongly scented, young leaves dark purple-green,

becoming paler with age, the 5 leaflets wide oval, tips pointed, the longest

leaflet 5–19 cm x 3–10 cm across, slightly sandpapery above, densely

hairy below, on long stalks. FLOWERS: Flower head conspicuous on a long

axillary stalk 5–24 cm, each flower 6–8 mm, the tubular corolla usually

cream-white, yellow inside, the lower lobe mauve–bright blue (or both pur-

ple-blue). FRUIT: Green, with pale spots, later purple-black, drupes about

1 cm long, held in the enlarged calyx cups.

COLOGY: A tree of forest edges, young closed forest and gaps, also savanna wood-

land and thicket, often on rocky sites, termite mounds, preferring sandy loam

soils. Also occurring on some islands in Lake Victoria, up to 1,500 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Found only around Lake Victoria and in parts of western Tanzania.

Also in Uganda and Kenya, from Sudan south to Zambia and Angola.

SES:

Food:

Ripe fruits are fleshy and eaten raw. The black pulp is eaten and the hard

stone rejected.

Commercial: Sold in local markets.

Other: The wood is used for firewood and charcoal. The tree provides shade

and is a source of bee forage.

EASON: Ripe fruits are collected from April to June.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not cultivated or protected by local peo-

ple, but can be propagated by seed.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

707

THE SPECIES

Vitex fischeri Verbenaceae

Young fruit within

enlarged calyx cup

Flower heads

708

THE SPECIES

Vitex madiensis subsp. milanjiensis Verbenaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bende: Mfulu-legea; Fipa: Kiputu; Ha: Umupapa, Umuvyiru,

Uvyiru; Nyamwezi: Mfulu-legea; Sukuma: Mpulu; Swahili: Mfudu, Mfuu;

Tongwe: Kafulujegeya.

ESCRIPTION: A woody herb or shrub to 1.5, m forming patches about 1 m wide

from a large underground rootstock, or a tree 4–7 m. The stems may be dark

red–purple with dense red-brown hairs, even woolly when young, but finally

they are quite smooth. LEAVES: Normally 3 leaflets, or a single one (not

usually with 5 leaflets), characteristically fragrant when crushed, arising 3

together, fairly stiff, drying yellow-green, variable in shape, to 25 cm long x 1

cm wide, usually less, tip sharply pointed and edge with shallow but large

rounded teeth, a clear vein network below, which is usually densely hairy,

longest leaf stalk about 3 cm and main leaf stalk 5–15 cm. FLOWERS: Scented,

in loose heads beside leaves, on a stalk 4–12 cm, each tiny flower velvety, out-

side pink-white with the lower larger lobe violet-blue. Hairs on the

back of the petals and on the calyx and flower stalks. FRUIT: Oblong-

rounded, about 2.5 cm long, 1–2 cm across, shiny green with white spots, rip-

ening black, containing 3 seeds, calyx cup enlarged and toothed, about

1 cm across.

COLOGY: Found in Combretum, Terminalia and Brachystegia woodland and flood

pans with Brachystegia, 1,000–1,300 m. Another variety, var. epidictyodes,

grows in grassland, wooded grassland or dense woodlands, 1,060–1,800 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Subsp. milanjiensis is found around Lake Victoria and Lake Tan-

ganyika, e.g. in Mwanza, Kagera, Kigoma and Rukwa Regions. Also occurs in

parts of Central Africa, south to Zimbabwe and Angola.

SES:

Food:

The ripe fruits are collected from the ground and the pulp eaten, but the

seeds rejected. They taste sweet and mealy.

Commercial: Sold in local markets.

Other: The wood is used for firewood and charcoal. The tree is used for shade

and is a source of bee forage.

EASON: Fruits are collected from March to July.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, but also protected on farmland by local peo-

ple. It can be propagated by seed.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: It is a rich source of vitamin C. Var. epidictyodes is a small somewhat

succulent shrub to 2 m, growing from a massive underground woody rootstock,

709

THE SPECIES

found in western Tanzania and the Southern Highlands; also the Congo basin,

Burundi, Malawi, Angola.

Vitex madiensis subsp. milanjiensis (contd)

Fruit in toothed

calyx cup

Loose flower heads

Trifoliate leaves

710

THE SPECIES

Vitex mombassae Verbenaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Msasati; Bondei: Mgobe; Digo: Fudumadzi, Mfudukoma;

English: Smelly-berry vitex; Fipa: Kiputu, Mchinka, Mfulu, Mkinka, Mkiinka;

Gorowa: Tlambau; Hehe: Mfudululenga, Msasati; Iraqw: Tlambau; Isanzu:

Msalati; Kerewe: Msungwa; Kimbu: Msuungwi; Maasai: Olpuri; Matengo:

Msada, Nsoku; Nyamwezi: Mgukubi, Msungwe, Msungwi, Mtalali; Nyaturu:

Irwana, Msasati, Mtaai, Musasarti; Nyiramba: Msasati, Msasi; Rangi:

Mchumbau, Muchumbau, Mjumbau; Sukuma: Mgukubi, Msungwi; Swahili:

Mbwanga, Mfudu, Mfudu maji, Mgege, Mtalali, Mvumba; Zigua: Mgobe;

Zinza: Mkakata, Msungwa.

ESCRIPTION: A stiffly branched deciduous shrub or small tree to 8 m. BARK: Rough

grey to brown with deep longitudinal fissures. Branchlets densely covered

with brown-red hairs. LEAVES: Compound, opposite, with 5 leaflets, some-

times 3 leaflets (lower 2 leaflets deformed or absent), widest above the middle,

about 6 cm long, short soft hairs above but dense orange hairs below,

on hairy stalks to 9 cm. FLOWERS: Few flowers in a branched head on stalks

to 6 cm, each flower 5 mm, all violet-blue or all white with upper lip all blue;

petals twice as long as calyx lobes, ovary hairy. FRUIT: Rounded to ob-

long, 2–3 cm long, green at first, turning black when ripe, juicy. Calyx lobes

enlarge, cover the fruit but later open out or bend back.

COLOGY: Found in scrub and secondary thicket bushland, Brachystegia wood-

land, often on rocky granite hills, 0–1,600 m. Abundant in open areas where

natural vegetation has been partly cleared. It prefers sandy soils with high

groundwater.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania. Also in Kenya, parts of Central Africa and

south to South Africa.

USES:

Food:

– Fruits are edible. Ripe fruits are juicy and eaten raw. They have a sharp,

persistent taste and an unpleasant smell, but are much eaten, especially by

herdsmen and children.

– Wood ash is soaked in water and filtered. The resulting liquid is used to

tenderize vegetables during cooking.

– Cracking open the hard shell of the inner stone reveals edible seeds inside.

Medicinal: Root are boiled and the decoction used as a remedy for diabetes

and infertility and as an antiemetic.

Commercial: Sold in most local markets in Tanzania (Kigoma, Tabora, Singida,

Kondoa, Iringa, Mbeya).

Other: The wood is used for firewood, poles, troughs, grain mortars, pestles,

spoons and tool handles. The tree provides good shade and is a source of bee

forage.

711

THE SPECIES

SEASON: Ripe fruits are collected from April to June in Tabora, Songea and Kigoma,

and April–September in Iringa, Njombe and Mbeya.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Fruits are usually collected from the wild, but the species is also

protected on farms by the local people. It can be propagated using fresh seed.

TATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: The fruits are rich in vitamin C.

Vitex mombassae (contd) Verbenaceae

Calyx cups

Fruit

712

THE SPECIES

Vitex payos var. payos Verbenaceae

Indigenous [Plate 6]

LOCAL NAMES: English: Black plum, Chocolate berry; Fipa: Kiputu; Gogo: Mfulu;

Hehe: Mfulu, Mkoga; Luguru: Mfuru, Mpitimbi, Ngoni; Mwera: Mpitimbi;

Nyamwezi: Mfulu, Mfulu-genge; Nyaturu: Mufuu; Rangi: Mpuru; Sandawi:

Naaso; Swahili: Mfudu, Mfuu; Vidunda: Mkoga; Zigua: Mgobe; Zinza:

Mtombofa.

ESCRIPTION: A small- to medium-sized tree, 4–10 m with a rounded crown; rarely,

a shrub about 2 m. BARK: Grey-brown, very rough, with deep vertical grooves,

all young parts densely covered with grey-yellow to red-brown woolly

hairs, stems often square, covered with large leaf scars. LEAVES: Leaves

opposite, the 5 leaflets arranged like the fingers of a hand, the largest central

leaflet up to 20 cm long, leaflets without stalks, wider at the tip, which is

rounded, bright green with few hairs above, long red-brown hairs below, the

edges often thick and rolled under, the main, hairy, stalk to 12 cm. FLOW-

ERS: Pale mauve or blue, fragrant, an attractive tree in flower. Each flower

about 6 mm, 2–lipped, the lower lip white, the upper mauve, from few together

to dense heads on a slender common stalk, 6–13 cm, beside leaves. FRUIT:

In clusters, each one round–oval chocolate brown, to 2 cm long with a

tough skin and pointed tip, juicy edible pulp surrounds a single stone. The

persistent calyx makes a broad shallow cup 1–2 cm deep.

COLOGY: Wooded grassland, or Acacia woodland on termite mounds, rocky out-

crops, or more open grasslands at low to medium altitudes, 0–1,600 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania; also in Kenya, Mozambique, Malawi and

Zimbabwe.

USES:

Food:

Fruits are edible. Ripe fruits are fleshy and eaten raw and the hard stones

discarded. The fruits have a rather unpleasant smell, and leave a temporary

black stain on the teeth, but they are much eaten by children and herds-

men.

Medicinal:

– A decoction of the root is used as a remedy for stomach problems.

– The pounded bark is administered to treat threadworm and skin problems.

– The leaves are boiled and the liquid drunk by patients who have lost their

appetite.

Commercial: The edible fruit are sold in local markets (Dodoma, Kondoa,

Singida).

Other: The wood is used for firewood, poles and spoons. The tree is used for

fodder, shade and is a source of bee forage.

EASON: Fruits are collected from April to July.

713

THE SPECIES

STORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild only. The species can be propagated by seed.

TATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

Vitex payos var. payos (contd) Verbenaceae

Young fruit

Long hairs

below leaf

Flower heads

Variable leaf shape

Ripe fruit

714

THE SPECIES

Ximenia americana Olacaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bena: Mpingipingi; Bende: Msantu; Chagga: Lama; Digo:

Mtundakula; English: False sandalwood, Small sourplum; Tallow nut, Wild

plum; Gogo: Mtundwe; Gorowa: Tarantu; Hehe: Mingi, Mtundwahavi;

Iraqw: Mutuhu, Tahhamanto, Tarantu; Nyamwezi: Mnembwa mudo,

Mnembwa, Mtundwa; Maasai: Engamai (plural), Ilama (plural), Lama, Olama,

Olamai; Mbugwe: Olamai, Tarantu; Rangi: Mjingu; Sambaa: Mtundui;

Sandawi: //’aáya; Sangu: Mingi, Mtundwahai; Sukuma: Mpingi, Mtundwa;

Swahili: Mpingi, Mtundakula; Tongwe: Lusantu; Zaramo: Membwa, Mhingi,

Mpingi, Muhingi; Zigua: Mtundwi.

ESCRIPTION: Usually a spiny shrub or small tree to 4 m, spines to 1 cm, thin and

straight; leaves and branches without hairs (young stems never very hairy).

BARK: Brown-black, small scales. LEAVES: Alternate, simple or in tufts,

oblong, 2–4 cm long, blue-grey-green, folding upwards along midrib, tip

round or notched. FLOWERS: Very fragrant, small, green-white, in small

branched clusters with a common stalk. FRUIT: Oval, to 2.5 cm, thin skin,

usually yellow, occasionally pink-red, pulp sour but refreshing. One large

seed, containing oil.

Ecology: Found in wooded grassland, deciduous and coastal bushland, dry and

moist woodlands, 900–2,000 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania; also found throughout tropical Africa, Asia

and America.

SES:

Food:

– The sweet but slightly acidic fruit pulp is edible. Ripe orange-to-red fruits

are collected in handfuls and eaten fresh. They are very tasty when fully

ripe. It is eaten as a snack.

– Ripe fruits are peeled and squeezed in warm water, sugar is added and the

juice is ready for drinking. It may also be fermented into a local brew.

Medicinal:

– Roots are boiled and the decoction used as medicine for anaemia, hernia,

mental disorders, gastric disorders, retained placenta, intestinal worms and

STDs.

– Fruits when eaten in large quantities act as a vermifuge.

– An infusion of leaves is used to treat stomach-ache.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is hard and used for firewood and tool handles. The plant is

suitable for hedges and is a source of bee forage. Oil from the seeds is used for

softening leather and as a skin cream.

EASON: Fruits are collected in the dry season.

715

THE SPECIES

STORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local peo-

ple. It can be propagated using fresh seed.

STATUS: Uncommon and difficult to access in cultivated areas, but common and

easily accessible where woodlands still exist.

Ximenia americana (contd)

Spines

Mature fruit and section

One flower enlarged

716

THE SPECIES

Ximenia caffra Olacaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Barabaig: Maanyangu; Bena: Mpingipingi; Bende: Msantu; Eng-

lish: Large sourplum; Gogo: Mjingu, Mtundwe; Gorowa: Maanyangu,

Maayangumo; Hehe: Mtundwa; Iraqw: Maanyangu; Isanzu: Mtundwi;

Kerewe: Mseaka; Maasai: Lama; Matengo: Mpingipingi; Ndendeule:

Mbingembinge, Mpingipingi; Ngindo: Mpingi; Ngoni: Mbingimbingi,

Mpingipingi; Nyamwezi: Mnembwa, Mtundwa; Nyaturu: Mutundwe;

Nyiramba: Mtundwi; Rangi: Mjengu, Mjingu; Sambaa: Mtundui; Sandawi:

/.Wandánda, Xaya; Swahili: Mpingi; Zaramo: Muhingi; Zigua: Mhingi,

Mtundwi; Zinza: Mseka.

ESCRIPTION: A shrub or, more commonly, a tree up to 8 m, armed with small spines.

Young stems can be very hairy. BARK: Grey, grey-brown or black, smooth

at first, then rough and fissured when old. LEAVES: Simple, alternate, 2.5–6.0

cm long, densely hairy at first and becoming shiny dark green, smooth

when mature, on a short stalk. FLOWERS: Solitary or in bunches from the

same point, small, white-green, sometimes pink to red around the hairy throat.

FRUIT: Oval, about 2.5 cm long, greenish when young, then bright red when

ripe, soft, edible, containing one woody seed. The flavour is best when over-

ripe.

COLOGY: Found in dry woodland and wooded grassland, often on rocky hillsides

and termite mounds, 0–2,000 m.

DISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania. Found, for example, in Kagera, Mwanza,

Pwani, Dodoma, Morogoro and Tabora Regions. Also Kenya and Uganda, west-

wards to the Congo basin and into Malawi, Mozambique and South Africa.

SES:

Food:

Ripe fruits are picked from the tree and eaten raw. They are sweet and are

much eaten by children and herdsmen. A refreshing drink can be prepared

by squeezing fruits in water and adding sugar.

Medicinal:

– A decoction of leaves is used as a remedy for malaria, coughs, toothache,

stomach-ache, ulcers and hookworm. Pounded leaves are used as poultices

for wounds and boils.

– Roots are boiled and the decoction is used as a remedy for chest pains, STDs,

infertility, mental illness, bilharzia, scorpion bites, menstrual problems and

generalized body pains. Roots are also used to treat anaemia, hernia, and

against intestinal worms.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for firewood, tool handles, spoons, walking sticks,

bows and storage containers. The tree is used for shade, hedges and as an

717

THE SPECIES

ornamental. Oil extracted from the seed is used for cosmetics and for soften-

ing of hides.

EASON: Fruits are collected from November to January.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Fruits are collected from the wild. This species can be propagated

using fresh seed.

TATUS: Sometimes common within its area of distribution.

Ximenia caffra (contd)

Spines

Flowers

Fruit

Leafy shoot

718

THE SPECIES

Xylotheca tettensis var. kirkii Flacourtiaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Northern African dog-rose; Luguru: Msekaseka; Mwera:

Mchemka, Njaunabonde; Ngindo: Mlimia mbopo; Swahili: Mchekaucha,

Mchekwa, Mkwema, Mripuripu, Msekwasekwa; Zaramo: Mkekwa,

Mnywanywa, Mseka, Msekaseka, Msekwasekwa.

ESCRIPTION: A deciduous shrub or small tree, 1–5 m. BARK: Grey, with long

grooves, young branches hairless (or long yellow hairs in some variants).

LEAVES: Alternate or clustered on side shoots, wide oval, 6–11 cm, wider at

the rounded tip, narrowed at the base to a 1.5-cm stalk, edges entire and

wavy, shiny above, paler below, 4–8 pairs of looping side veins and clear vein

network both sides. FLOWERS: Appear just after new leaves, usually solitary

or 2–3, in axils or terminal on branchlets, sweet scented, large, white and

showy, 5–10 cm across, many stamens making a conspicuous yellow

centre, 4 sepals, 7–12 free petals to 4.5 cm long. FRUIT: A black oval–

rounded capsule, 3–4 cm diameter, with a hard pointed tip, splitting by 8

into a star shape to set free yellow-brown seeds in a thin gold-scarlet edible

pulp (the fruit capsule may be smooth, or hairy, shallow or deeply grooved).

COLOGY: Found in lowland woodland, bushland, secondary bushland, 0–600 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Four varieties of this species all grow in Tanzania but the most wide-

spread, var. kirkii, grows in Tanga and eastern and southern parts of the coun-

try, as well as in Zanzibar; Mozambique, Kenya.

SES:

Food:

The pulp of ripe fruits is sweet and eaten raw. The sweet pulp is swallowed

and seed are discarded. Eaten as a snack.

Medicinal: Roots are chewed or boiled and the decoction is used as an aphrodi-

siac. When chewed, the juice is swallowed and the rest is discarded.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is used for firewood. The plant is used for ornamental pur-

poses and is a source of bee forage.

EASON: Ripe fruits are collected from November to January.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Ripe fruits are usually collected from the wild, but the species can be

propagated by seed.

STATUS: Locally common.

EMARKS: Four varieties are recognized in Tanzania:

1. var. fissistyla: which is only found in Bagamoyo;

2. var. kirkii: found in Tanga, Pwani, Morogoro and Lindi Regions and on Zanzi-

bar;

719

THE SPECIES

3. var. macrophylla: found in Pwani and Lindi Regions;

4. var. tettensis: found in Arusha, Morogoro, Pwani and Lindi Regions.

Xylotheca tettensis var. kirkii (contd)

Fruit opening

Sepal

Petal

Ovary and stigma

Seed

Fruit

720

THE SPECIES

Zanha africana (Dialiopsis africana) Sapindaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Bondei: Mkwanga; English: Velvet-fruited zanha; Gorowa:

Mnughumo; Ha: Umukakili; Hehe: Kivangaduma, Muvanga duma, Mwanga

duma; Isanzu: Muyuyu; Luguru: Mdaula; Matengo: Chimanyi; Ngindo:

Mjuju; Nyamwezi: Mkalya; Nyaturu: Mujulu; Rangi: Mnjulu, Mnuhu;

Sambaa: Mkwanga; Sukuma: Mkalya, Ng’watya; Swahili: Mkalya,

Mkwanga; Zigua: Mkwanga.

ESCRIPTION: A small deciduous tree, 3.5–12 m, the bole often crooked, the grey

erect branches forming a light open crown. BARK: Pale red-brown at first, darker

grey-brown with age, cracking and flaking in patches to show an orange layer

below. LEAVES: Dark green, paler below with some rusty hairs, compound,

about 23 cm long with 3–8 pairs of long oval leaflets, 8–15 cm long, tip

blunt, base straight or rounded, edge round toothed, especially towards

the tip, often recognized by the fine clear vein network below between 14

pairs of looped lateral veins. FLOWERS: Cream yellow, male flowers and

greenish female flowers appear on separate trees, while the trees are still

bare; both are very small without petals, the female flowers sweet scented, the

male flowers in dense clusters on young twigs. FRUIT: Ovoid, covered

with soft hairs, bright orange when ripe, to 2.6 cm long, topped by the

style, on hairy stalks to 2 cm.

COLOGY: Deciduous woodland, miombo, often on rocky hills, 300–1,800 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Found in most parts of Tanzania. Rare in Kenya. Also in parts of

Central Africa and south to Angola, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

SES:

Food:

Fruits are edible. They are peeled and the sweet fleshy yellow pulp eaten

raw in small quantities. The seed is discarded. Fruits are mostly eaten by

children and herdsmen and are believed to cause severe diarrhoea if eaten

in large quantities (Hehe, Luguru, Nyamwezi).

Medicinal:

– The bark is dried, pounded and used as snuff to treat colds, fever, headache

and convulsions.

– A decoction of roots is used as a remedy for colds, convulsions, impotence,

intestinal worms, stomach-ache, constipation, hernia, mental illness, dysen-

tery, fungal infection and for facilitating childbirth.

Commercial: Not marketed.

Other: The wood is hard and used for firewood, building poles, pestles, grain

mortars, tool handles, bedsteads and spoons. The tree is used for shade and

is a source of bee forage. Stem and root bark contain saponin and are used

as a substitute for soap.

721

THE SPECIES

SEASON: Ripe fruits are collected from November to January.

TORAGE: Not stored.

ANAGEMENT: Fruits are collected only from the wild. The tree can be propagated

using fresh seed.

TATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: Fruits contain about 10.5% saponin. A related species, Z. golungensis,

with the same vernacular names and similar uses, is a tree up to 24 m found in

Arusha, Kigoma and Tanga Regions. It also occurs in Kenya and Uganda,

from Senegal to Ethiopia, south to Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and

Zimbabwe. It differs from Z. africana in having hairless leaves and fruits.

Zanha africana (contd)

Male flower enlarged

Mature fruit

Young fruit, enlarged

Male flowers

722

THE SPECIES

Zanthoxylum chalybeum var. chalybeum Rutaceae

(Fagara chalybea)

Indigenous

OCAL NAME: Arusha: Oluisuki; Barabaig: Wapkan; Bena: Lilungulungu;

Bondei: Mlungulungu; Digo: Mdungu, Mrungurungu, Mudhungu; English:

Knobwood; Fiome: Morungi; Fipa: Popwe; Gogo: Mkunungu, Mhunungu;

Mlungulungu; Gorowa: Morungi; Haya: Entare yeirungo; Hehe: Mkunungu;

Luguru: Mhunungu; Maasai: Oloisuki; Makonde: Navele; Mbugwe:

Molongo; Ngindo: Mlungu; Nyamwezi: Mlungulungu; Pare: Msele; Rangi:

Mkunungu, Mlungu, Mulungu: Sambaa: Hombo-muungu, Muungu-magoma;

Sandawi: Khotso; Sukuma: Nungu; Swahili: Mjafari, Mkunungu; Zaramo:

Mnungu; Zigua: Muungu-goma.

ESCRIPTION: A spiny deciduous shrub or tree, to 8 m, the crown rounded but open.

The bole has characteristic large, conical woody knobs with sharp prick-

les. BARK: Pale grey, smooth, dark scales and prickles protect buds.

LEAVES: Compound, a strong lemon smell if crushed, the leaf stalk with

hooked prickles below, 6–9 pairs of shiny leaflets. FLOWERS: Yellow-green,

in short sprays below leaves on new branchlets. FRUIT: Red-brown-purple,

like berries, open to release shiny black seeds.

COLOGY: Dry bushland and wooded grassland; often on termite mounds, 0–1,600

DISTRIBUTION: Found in all parts of Tanzania; Uganda, Kenya, parts of Central

Africa, from Ethiopia and Somalia south to South Africa.

SES:

Food:

– Leaves are used as a vegetable. Green leaves are collected, dried, pounded

and sieved. The vegetable powder is soaked in hot water and stirred into a

thick vegetable paste, which may be mixed with groundnut paste and eaten

with ugali.

– The bark is collected, dried and used as a substitute for tea.

Medicinal:

– A decoction of bark and roots is used as a remedy for malaria, generalized

body pains, coughs, scorpion- and snakebite, oedema, anaemia, and body

swellings and as a gargle for toothache.

– Bark and root powder is mixed with oil and applied as liniment for pains and

sprains.

Other: The wood is used for firewood, building poles, bedsteads, spoons, mor-

tars, stools, drums, combs, carvings and beehives. The tree is used for shade

and is a source of bee forage.

EASON: Bark is collected all year round. Leaves are collected during the rainy and

early dry season.

723

THE SPECIES

STORAGE: Dried leaves and bark can be stored for about 6 months. Leaves are

usually pounded and stored in powder form.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by the local

people. The species can be propagated using fresh seed.

TATUS: Common and easily accessed.

EMARKS: One of the most important vegetable and medicinal plants of Tanzania.

Zanthoxylum chalybeum var. chalybeum (contd)

Young fruit

Conical knobs with

prickles on trunk

Mature fruit

release seeds

Flowering stem

Thorn

Seed

724

THE SPECIES

Ziziphus abyssinica Rhamnaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: English: Catch thorn; Hehe: Mtanula; Maasai: Oloilalei; Matengo:

Mpiripiri, Ufuru; Ngindo: Mpengele; Nyamwezi: Kagowole, Mgugunu; Rangi:

Lukwaju; Sangu: Mtanula; Sukuma: Mgugunu; Tongwe: Kagobole.

ESCRIPTION: A thorny semi-evergreen shrub or small tree, usually 3–6 m, the

trunk usually straight and single, the branches drooping to form a rounded

crown. BARK: Grey-black, deeply grooved. Branches zigzag, hairy, with sin-

gle or paired dark brown thorns to 2 cm long; in a pair, one straight,

one curved back (“thumb pointer”). LEAVES: Markedly alternate along

the stems, oval, leathery, variable in length, 5–8 cm, the leaf base unequal,

shiny green above, hairy orange-yellow-grey below, 3–5 clear veins, edge

finely toothed, a short hairy stalk. FLOWERS: Green-yellow, in small star-

like heads, 1–2 cm, stalks 1 cm, beside leaves. They have an unpleasant sharp

smell. FRUIT: Rounded, 2–3 cm, smooth, ripening to shiny red-brown, 1–

2 seeds inside the inner stone surrounded by sweet edible flesh.

COLOGY: A small tree of scattered tree grassland, Combretum–Terminalia wood-

lands, Acacia woodlands and bushland, mainly at medium to low altitudes,

400–2,200 m.

ISTRIBUTION: Found throughout Tanzania except in the Tanga and coastal areas;

Kenya, Uganda, Senegal to Eritrea, Ethiopia, south to Angola, Zimbabwe and

Mozambique.

SES:

Food: Fruits are eaten and taste sweet–bitter. The seed are discarded. It is

eaten occasionally as a snack, especially by children and herdsmen. It is also

eaten during famine periods.

Medicinal:

– Roots are pounded and the powder is rubbed on the chest, after scarifica-

tion, to treat pneumonia.

– Roots are boiled and taken for after-birth pains, stomach-ache, snakebite

and to induce abortion.

– A decoction of roots, mixed with those of Rhynchosia resinosa, is drunk for

stomach-ache.

– Ash from burnt leaves is mixed with common salt and rubbed externally on

the throat to relieve tonsillitis.

– Leaves are boiled and used as a steam bath for pneumonia.

Other: The wood is hard and used for firewood, charcoal, building poles and

tool handles. The spiny branches make this plant useful as a protective live

fence. It is also used for shade and fodder.

EASON: Fruits are collected at the end of the rainy season and in the dry season.

725

THE SPECIES

STORAGE: Dried fruits can be stored for up to 6 months.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild and not protected or cultivated by local peo-

ple. Propagation can be done by using fresh seed.

TATUS: It is uncommon and thus difficult to access.

EMARKS: In some countries leaves and fruit are used as fodder. A cinnamon-col-

oured dye may be obtained from the plant.

Ziziphus abyssinica (contd) Rhamnaceae

Fruit

Enlarged flower

Thorns

Flowers

726

THE SPECIES

Ziziphus mauritiana Rhamnaceae

Naturalized

OCAL NAMES: English: Chinese date, Geb, Indian jujube, Indian plum, Jujube;

Hehe: Mtanula; Maasai: Oloilalei; Nyamwezi: Kagowole, Mgugunu; Sangu:

Mtanula; Sukuma: Mgugunu; Swahili: Mkunazi, Mkunazi pori.

ESCRIPTION: A much-branched spiny tree, small, but may reach 7 m, drooping

angular branches, crown rounded, often forming thickets. BARK: Grey

branches with curved thorns. LEAVES: Alternate, shiny above, hairy white

below, thin, three veins from the base, rather small but up to 8 cm, leaf base

rounded and equal sides. FLOWERS: Small yellow-green, in clusters beside

leaves, on hairy stalks. FRUIT: Rounded, 1–2 cm, shiny yellow then red-

brown, pulp edible; two seeds in a large stone.

COLOGY: A plant of cultivation, other disturbed areas near settlements and along

roadsides. It has a strongly developed root system and grows best in areas with

a high water-table, 0–1,400 m.

ISTRIBUTION: A common coastal tree in Tanzania, Zanzibar and Pemba. Probably

originating in the Middle East or South Asia, it has been universally cultivated

and escaped in most tropical countries. There are many cultivated varieties and

hybrids.

SES:

Food:

– Fruits are collected and eaten fresh as a snack. They taste sweet.

– The seeds are also sweet, and after cracking open the stone they are eaten

as a snack.

– Fruit may also be dried and stored. When needed, the dried fruit must be

boiled for about 2 hours to soft them and then they are served in a sauce

with beans, cowpeas, pigeon peas or beef, together with a staple. It is usually

eaten in famine periods.

– A strong locally made spirit is distilled from fermented fruits.

Medicinal:

– Roots are pounded and boiled. The decoction is drunk for indigestion.

Other: The wood is hard and used for timber, firewood, building poles and tool

handles. The tree is used for avenues, fences and fodder, is a source of bee

forage and provides good shade for both animals and humans. Roots are

pounded and added to drinking water for poultry suffering from diarrhoea.

EASON: Fruits are collected from April to June.

TORAGE: Dried fruits can be stored up to 6 months.

ANAGEMENT: Collected from the wild, and also protected around homesteads and

trading centres for shade and food. It can be propagated by fresh seed.

STATUS: Common and easily accessible within its area of distribution.

727

THE SPECIES

REMARKS: Z. mauritiana is very resistant to drought and suitable for agroforestry

in semi-arid areas.

Ziziphus mauritiana (contd) Rhamnaceae

Flowering branch

Fruit

Thorns

728

THE SPECIES

Ziziphus mucronata subsp. mucronata Rhamnaceae

Indigenous

OCAL NAMES: Arusha: Oloilali; Bende: Kagobole; Digo: Mgorodo, Mugugune;

English: Buffalo thorn; Gogo: Mnangwe, Mnyangwe, Mnyangwe-mwaha;

Gorowa: Ghal-landi; Hehe: Mtanula; Kuria: Msarakanga; Luguru:

Malagala-mkole, Mlagala; Maasai: Oleylalei, Oloilale, Oloilalei, Olperetini;

Ngindo: Mpengele-bonde; Nguu: Mgagawe, Muguguni; Nyamwezi:

Kagowole, Kalembo, Mgugunwa; Rangi: Lukwaju, Mgurufa, Mjijiva, Mngurufa,

Mwave; Sambaa: Mgagawe, Mguguni; Sandawi: Ts’imak’o; Sangu: Mtanula;

Sukuma: Mgugunu; Swahili: Mkunazi mwitu; Tongwe: Kagobole; Zaramo:

Mgegewa; Zigua: Mgagawe; Zinza: Mbamba mzumera, Mkwata mzumula,

Mukwatanzumula.

ESCRIPTION: A wickedly armed scrambler, shrub or small tree, to 7 m, with droop-

ing tangled branches and thorns. The strong, sharp thorns are in pairs, one

straight to 2 cm, the other smaller and recurved with the leaves arising be-

tween the two thorns (“thumb-pointer” thorns). BARK: Grey to dark grey, smooth

at first, becoming rough and fissured with age. LEAVES: Shiny and thin, the

same green both sides, 3–6 cm long, base rounded, often very unequal sided,

the edge with regular rounded teeth, a pointed tip, 3 main veins clear below.

FLOWERS: Very small, yellowish, in heads about 1.5 cm across. FRUIT: Rounded,

dark reddish-brown when ripe, the pulp very acid and scarcely edible, in

stalked bunches.

COLOGY: Widely distributed in drier parts of Africa in a variety of soils, 0–2,000

m, occasionally even higher, along rivers, dry river beds, in bushland, wood-

land or wooded grassland.

ISTRIBUTION: Widespread in Tanzania except in the south. Z. mucronata is found

in Kenya, Uganda, Senegal to the Arabian peninsular, south to South Africa,

Madagascar. Subsp. rhodesia occurs in various parts of southern Africa.

SES:

Food:

Fruits are edible. They are collected from the tree in handfuls and eaten raw

as a snack. The thin pulp is sweetish bitter and only eaten in emergency

(Hehe, Gogo, Maasai, Mbugwe).

Medicinal:

– Leaves and roots are used for treatment of snakebite, stomach-ache, chest

pains, asthma, glandular swellings, lumbago, leprosy, bilharzia, mental ill-

ness, intestinal worms, STDs and for preventing abortion.

– Pounded leaves and roots are used as a poultice for boils and skin diseases.

– A decoction from the bark is used to treat rheumatism and stomach-ache.

Commercial: Not marketed.

729

THE SPECIES

Other: An important species for building poles, fuel, firewood and charcoal.

Leaves and fruits are used as fodder for livestock. Fruits are pounded and

used as fish poison.

EASON: Fruits are collected from May to August.

TORAGE: Dried fruits can be stored for up to 6 months.

ANAGEMENT: Fruits are only collected from the wild, as the species is not culti-

vated. However, propagation can be done using fresh seed.

TATUS: Common within its area of distribution.

EMARKS: A hardy, fast-growing and coppicing species suitable for agroforestry.

Ziziphus mucronata subsp. mucronata (contd)

Fruit

Thorns

Flowering head

730

THE SPECIES

731

APPENDICES

Appendices

732

APPENDICES

Abutilon angulatum x

Abutilon longicuspe x

Abutilon mauritianum x

Acacia nilotica x

Acacia senegal x

Acalypha bipartita x

Acalypha fruticosa x

Acalypha ornata x

Acanthopale laxiflora x

Achyranthes aspera x

Acokanthera oppositifolia x

Acokanthera schimperi x

Adansonia digitata xx

Adenia gummifera x

Aerva lanata x

Aerva leucura x

Aframomum angustifolium x

Allanblackia stuhlmannii x

Allanblackia ulugurensis x

Aloe nutii x

Alsodeiopsis schumanii x

Alternanthera tenella var. bettzickiana x

Amaranthus spinosus x

Ampelocissus africana x

Ancylobotrys petersiana x

Anisophyllea boehmii x

Anisophyllea pomifera x

Annona senegalensis x

Annona stenophylla x

Antidesma venosum x

Asparagus africanus xx

Asparagus flagellaris x

Asystasia gangetica x

Asystasia mysorensis x

Azanza garckeana x

Balanites aegyptiaca x

Balanites rotundifolia x

Balanites wilsoniana x

Bauhinia kalantha x

Berchemia discolor x

Appendix I

Summary table of parts of the plant used for food

Species Leaves Underground Seeds Bark

Stems parts Fruits Gum

Flowers Sap

733

APPENDICES

Bidens pilosa x

Bidens schimperi x

Bombax rhodognaphalon var. tomentosum x

Borassus aethiopum xx

Brexia madagascariensis x

Bridelia micrantha x

Bussea massaiensis x

Canarium schweinfurthii x

Canthium burttii x

Canthium lactescens x

Canthium oligocarpum subsp. oligocarpum x

Cardamine trichocarpa xx

Carissa edulis x

Carpodiptera africana x

Carpolobia goetzii x

Caylusea abyssinica x

Celosia trigyna x

Ceratotheca sesamoides x

Chenopodium opulifolium x

Chytranthus obliquinervis x

Cissus cornifolia x

Cleome hirta x

Cleome monophylla x

Coccinia grandis x

Coffea eugenioides x

Coffea mufindiensis x

Cola scheffleri x

Combretum padoides x

Commelina africana x

Commelina benghalensis x

Commiphora africana x

Commiphora mossambicensis x

Convolvulus farinosus x

Corchorus tridens x

Corchorus trilocularis x

Cordia monoica x

Cordia sinensis x

Cordyla africana x

Cordyla densiflora x

Crotalaria natalitia var. natalitia x

Cucumis dipsaceus x

Cucumis figarei xx

Cussonia spicata x

Cyathula orthacantha x

Species Leaves Underground Seeds Bark

Stems parts Fruits Gum

Flowers Sap

734

APPENDICES

Cyphostemma njegerre x

Dactyloctenium aegyptium x

Dactyloctenium giganteum x

Dalbergia nitidula x

Deinbollia borbonica x

Deinbollia kilimandscharica

var. kilimandscharica x

Delonix elata xx

Dialium holtzii x

Dialium orientale x

Dicliptera laxata x

Dictyophleba lucida x

Dioscorea dumetorum x

Dioscorea odoratissima xx

Dioscorea quartiniana var. quartiniana x

Diospyros kirkii x

Diospyros mespiliformis x

Dolichos trilobus x

Dovyalis abyssinica x

Dovyalis macrocalyx x

Dracaena mannii x

Drymaria cordata x

Duosperma crenatum x

Embelia schimperi x

Emilia coccinea x

Encephalartos hildebrandtii x

Englerophytum magalismontanum x

Englerophytum natalense x

Ensete ventricosum x

Eriosema burkei var. burkei x

Erythrococca kirkii xx

Eugenia capensis subsp. nyassensis x

Fadogia ancylantha xx

Fadogia cienkowskii var. cienkowskii xx

Fadogia elskensii var. elskensii xx

Fadogia homblei xx

Feretia apodanthera subsp. tanzaniensis x

Ficus stuhlmannii x

Ficus sur x

Ficus sycomorus x

Ficus vallis-choudae x

Flacourtia indica x

Flueggea virosa x

Friesodielsia obovata x

Species Leaves Underground Seeds Bark

Stems parts Fruits Gum

Flowers Sap

735

APPENDICES

Garcinia buchananii x

Garcinia livingstonei x

Grewia bicolor x

Grewia conocarpoides x

Grewia mollis x

Grewia platyclada x

Grewia similis x

Grewia trichocarpa x

Grewia villosa x

Guizotia scabra x

Habenaria epipactidea x

Habenaria walleri x

Harungana madagascariensis x

Heliotropium zeylanicum x

Hewittia sublobata x

Hexalobus monopetalus x

Hibiscus acetosella x

Hibiscus calyphyllus x

Hibiscus diversifolius x

Hibiscus surattensis x

Hirtella megacarpa x

Hoslundia opposita x

Hydnora abyssinica xx

Hygrophila auriculata x

Hyphaene compressa xx

Hyphaene coriacea xx

Hyphaene petersiana xx

Inhambanella henriquesii x

Ipomoea cairica var. cairica x

Ipomoea eriocarpa x

Ipomoea pres-caprae x

Isoglossa lactea x

Jacquemontia tamnifolia x

Justicia heterocarpa x

Kedrostis leloja xx

Kigelia africana x

Landolphia kilimanjarica x

Landolphia kirkii x

Landolphia parvifolia x

Lannea fulva x

Lannea humilis x

Lannea rivae x

Lannea schweinfurthii var. stuhlmannii x

Lantana camara x

Species Leaves Underground Seeds Bark

Stems parts Fruits Gum

Flowers Sap

736

APPENDICES

Lantana trifolia xx

Lantana ukambensis x

Laportea ovalifolia x

Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius subsp. vaughanii x

Leonotis nepetifolia x

Lepisanthes senegalensis x

Leptactina benguelensis xx

Lippia kituiensis xx

Lobelia fervens subsp. fervens x

Lycium europaeum x

Maerua decumbens xx

Malva parviflora x

Mammea usambarensis x

Manilkara dawei x

Manilkara discolor x

Manilkara mochisia x

Manilkara obovata x

Manilkara sansibarensis x

Manilkara sulcata x

Maranthes goetzeniana x

Mimusops kummel x

Mimusops obtusifolia x

Mollugo cerviana x

Momordica foetida x

Momordica rostrata xx

Monanthotaxis poggei x

Multidentia crassa x

Myrianthus arboreus x

Myrianthus holstii x

Myrsine africana x

Nicandra physaloides x

Nymphaea lotus x

Oldenlandia corymbosa var. corymbosa x

Oldfieldia dactylophylla x

Oncoba spinosa x

Opilia amentacea xx

Opuntia vulgaris x

Ormocarpum kirkii x

Osyris lanceolata xx

Oxygonum sinuatum x

Pappea capensis xx

Parinari curatellifolia subsp. curatellifolia x

Parinari excelsa x

Parkia filicoidea x

Species Leaves Underground Seeds Bark

Stems parts Fruits Gum

Flowers Sap

737

APPENDICES

Peponium vogelii x

Phoenix reclinata x

Phyllanthus engleri x

Piliostigma thonningii x

Piper guineense xx

Pistacia aethiopica x

Pistia stratiotes x

Platostoma africanum x

Polyceratocarpus scheffleri x

Polygonum salicifolium x

Polysphaeria parvifolia x

Portulaca oleracea x

Pouteria adolfi-friedericii subsp. australis x

Pouzolzia mixta x

Pseudeminia comosa x

Pseudospondias microcarpa x

Psorospermum febrifugum x

Psydrax parviflora subsp. rubrocostata x

Pupalia lappacea var. velutina x

Pygmaeothamnus zeyheri x

Pyrostria bibracteata x

Raphia farinifera x

Rhus natalensis x

Rhus vulgaris x

Ricinodendron heudelotii subsp. africanum x

Ritchiea albersii x

Rothmannia engleriana x

Rourea orientalis x

Rubia cordifolia x

Rubus apetalus x

Rumex abyssinicus x

Rumex usambarensis x

Saba comorensis x

Salacia leptoclada x

Salvadora persica xx

Satyrium macrophyllum x

Satyrium neglectum var. neglectum x

Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra x

Scolopia rhamniphylla x

Scolopia zeyheri x

Senna bicapsularis xx

Senna singueana xx

Sesamothamnus busseanus x

Sesamum angolense x

Species Leaves Underground Seeds Bark

Stems parts Fruits Gum

Flowers Sap

738

APPENDICES

Sesamum calycinum var. angustifolium x

Sesuvium portulacastrum x

Solanum anguivii x

Solanum schumannianum x

Sonchus luxurians x

Sorghum purpureo-sericeum x

Sorindeia madagascariensis x

Stachytarpheta jamaicensis x

Sterculia africana x

Sterculia appendiculata x

Sterculia tragacantha x

Strychnos cocculoides x

Strychnos innocua x

Strychnos madagascariensis x

Strychnos spinosa subsp. lokua x

Synaptolepis alternifolia x

Synaptolepis kirkii x

Synsepalum brevipes x

Synsepalum msolo x

Syzygium cordatum x

Syzygium guineense x

Syzygium owariense x

Tacca leontopetaloides x

Talinum portulacifolium x

Tamarindus indica x

Tapiphyllum burnettii x

Tapiphyllum cinerascens var. cinerascens x

Thylachium africanum xx

Tragia insuarvis x

Treculia africana x

Tribulus terrestris x

Trichilia dregeana x

Trichilia emetica x

Trichodesma zeylanicum x

Trilepisium madagascariense x

Triumfetta cordifolia var. tomentosa x

Tylosema fassoglense x

Typhonodorum lindleyanum x

Uapaca kirkiana x

Uapaca nitida x

Uapaca paludosa x

Uapaca sansibarica x

Urtica massaica x

Uvaria acuminata x

Species Leaves Underground Seeds Bark

Stems parts Fruits Gum

Flowers Sap

739

APPENDICES

Uvaria kirkii x

Uvaria lucida subsp. lucida x

Vangueria apiculata x

Vangueria infausta subsp. rotundata x

Vangueria madagascariensis x

Vangueria volkensii x

Vangueriopsis lanciflora x

Vigna pubescens x

Vitex doniana x

Vitex ferruginea x

Vitex fischeri x

Vitex madiensis subsp. milanjiensis x

Vitex mombassae xx

Vitex payos var. payos x

Ximenia americana x

Ximenia caffra x

Xylotheca tettensis var. kirkii x

Zanha africana x

Zanthoxylum chalybeum var. chalybeum x

Ziziphus abyssinica x

Ziziphus mauritiana x

Ziziphus mucronata subsp. mucronata x

Species Leaves Underground Seeds Bark

Stems parts Fruits Gum

Flowers Sap

740

APPENDICES

Appendix II

Workshop participants

Chamgulu, Henry A.

Farmer

P.O. Box 1880

Morogoro

Felix, Ester

Forest Assistant

P.O. Box 148

Iringa

Fivawo, Bonus

Farmer

P.O. Box 170

Iringa

Kimaru, Gathiru

Soil Conservatiom Advisor

RELMA

P.O. Box 63403

Nairobi, Kenya

Lupala, Emanuel

Assistant Forest Officer

P.O. Box 148

Iringa

Lyimo, Monica

Lecturer

Sokoine University of Agriculture

P.O. Box 3006

Morogoro

Mabula, Charles K.

Botanist

TAFORI

P.O. Box 95

Lushoto

Makambe, Melienziana

Farmer

Usolanga

Ismani

Iringa

Mnuka, Florent

Farmer

P.O. Box 99

Moshi

Moshi, Mary A.

Nutritionist

P.O. Box 290

Iringa

Mtengela, Medson

Farmer

P.O. Box 260 Kisinga

Iringa

Mtisi, Argentina C.

Agricultural. Extension Officer

Idodi

P.O. Box 290

Iringa

Mvile, Wilibathi V.

Farmer

P.O. Box 129

Itulike

Njombe

Nyambo, Agnes T.

Horticulturist

District Agricultural Office

Kinondoni

P.O. Box 90532

Dar es Salaam

Tel: 023-2666853

Nyomora, Dr Agnes M.S.

Lecturer/Researcher

Botany Department

University of Dar es Salaam

P.O. Box 35060

Dar es Salaam

Nyoni, Anna

Farmer

P.O. Box 583

Iringa

Osman, Yusuf

Farmer

P.O. Box 1226

Kalenga

Iringa

Tel: 51996

741

APPENDICES

Ruffo, Christopher K.

Botanist

National Tree Seed Project (NTSP)

P.O. Box 373

Morogoro

Tel: 023-23192/23903

E-mail: ntsp@twiga.com

Samsoni, Clement

Assistant Forest Officer

P.O. Box 1576

Dodoma

Shellimoh, Muniry

Assistant Forest Officer

National Tree Seed Project (NTSP)

P.O. Box 1121

Iringa

Tangwa, Jonathan

Forest Officer

Forest Division Headquarters

Idara ya Misitu na Nyuki

P.O. Box 426

Dar es Salaam

Tengnäs, Bo

RELMA Agroforestry Consultant

Torsaberga S-31038

Simlångsdalen

Sweden

Temu, R.P.C.

Senior Lecturer

Sokoine University of Agriculture

P.O. Box 3184

Morogoro

WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS

742

APPENDICES

743

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749

LIST OF FAMILIES AND SPECIES

List of families and species

Acanthaceae

Acanthopale laxiflora

Asystasia gangetica

Asystasia mysorensis (A. schimperi)

Dicliptera laxata

Duosperma crenatum

Hygrophila auriculata (Asteracantha longifolia)

Isoglossa lactea

Justicia heterocarpa

Aizoaceae

Mollugo cerviana

Sesuvium portulacastrum

Aloaceae

Aloe nutii

Amaranthaceae

Achyranthes aspera

Aerva lanata

Aerva leucura

Alternanthera tenella var. bettzickiana

Amaranthus spinosus

Celosia trigyna

Cyathula orthacantha

Pupalia lappacea var. velutina

Anacardiaceae

Lannea fulva

Lannea humilis

Lannea rivae (L. floccosa)

Lannea schweinfurthii var. stuhlmannii (L. stuhlmannii)

Pistacia aethiopica

Pseudospondias microcarpa

Rhus natalensis

Rhus vulgaris

Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra

Sorindeia madagascariensis

750

LIST OF FAMILIES AND SPECIES

Annonaceae

Annona senegalensis (A. chrysophylla)

Annona stenophylla

Friesodielsia obovata (Popowia obovata)

Hexalobus monopetalus

Monanthotaxis poggei

Polyceratocarpus scheffleri

Uvaria acuminata

Uvaria kirkii

Uvaria lucida subsp. lucida

Apocynaceae

Acokanthera oppositifolia

Acokanthera schimperi

Ancylobotrys petersiana (Landolphia petersiana)

Carissa edulis

Dictyophleba lucida (Landolphia lucida)

Landolphia kilimanjarica (L. buchananii)

Landolphia kirkii

Landolphia parvifolia

Saba comorensis (S. florida)

Araceae

Pistia stratiotes

Typhonodorum lindleyanum

Araliaceae

Cussonia spicata

Arecaceae (Palmae)

Borassus aethiopum

Hyphaene compressa

Hyphaene coriacea (H. pileata)

Hyphaene petersiana (H. ventricosa)

Phoenix reclinata

Raphia farinifera

Asparagaceae

Asparagus africanus (A. abyssinicus)

Asparagus flagellaris (A. nudicaulis)

Asteraceae (Compositae)

Bidens pilosa

Bidens schimperi

Emilia coccinea

Guizotia scabra

Sonchus luxurians

Balanitaceae

Balanites aegyptiaca

751

LIST OF FAMILIES AND SPECIES

Balanites rotundifolia (B. orbicularis)

Balanites wilsoniana

Bignoniaceae

Kigelia africana (K. pinnata, K. aethiopum)

Bombacaceae

Adansonia digitata

Bombax rhodognaphalon var. tomentosum

Boraginaceae

Cordia monoica

Cordia sinensis (C. gharaf)

Heliotropium zeylanicum (H. subulatum)

Trichodesma zeylanicum

Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)

Cardamine trichocarpa

Brexiaceae

Brexia madagascariensis

Burseraceae

Canarium schweinfurthii

Commiphora africana

Commiphora mossambicensis

Cactaceae

Opuntia vulgaris (O. ficus-indica)

Caesalpiniaceae

Bauhinia kalantha

Bussea massaiensis (Peltophorum massaiense)

Cordyla africana

Cordyla densiflora

Delonix elata

Dialium holtzii

Dialium orientale

Piliostigma thonningii (Bauhinia thonningii)

Senna bicapsularis (Cassia bicapsularis)

Senna singueana

Tamarindus indica

Tylosema fassoglense (Bauhinia fassoglensis)

Capparidaceae (Capparaceae)

Cleome hirta

Cleome monophylla

Maerua decumbens (M. edulis)

Ritchiea albersii

Thylachium africanum

752

LIST OF FAMILIES AND SPECIES

Caryophyllaceae

Drymaria cordata

Cecropiaceae

Myrianthus arboreus

Myrianthus holstii

Celastraceae

Salacia leptoclada

Chenopodiaceae

Chenopodium opulifolium

Chrysobalanaceae

Hirtella megacarpa (Acioa goetzeana)

Maranthes goetzeniana (Parinari goetzeniana)

Parinari curatellifolia subsp. curatellifolia

Parinari excelsa (P. holstii)

Clusiaceae (Guttiferae)

Allanblackia stuhlmanii

Allanblackia ulugurensis

Garcinia buchananii (G. huillensis)

Garcinia livingstonei

Harungana madagascariensis

Mammea usambarensis

Psorospermum febrifugum

Combretaceae

Combretum padoides

Commelinaceae

Commelina africana

Commelina benghalensis

Connaraceae

Rourea orientalis (Byrsocarpus orientalis)

Convolvulaceae

Convolvulus farinosus

Hewittia sublobata

Ipomoea cairica var. cairica

Ipomoea eriocarpa

Ipomoea pres-caprae (I. biloba)

Jacquemontia tamnifolia

Cucurbitaceae

Coccinia grandis

Cucumis dipsaceus

Cucumis figarei

Kedrostis leloja

753

LIST OF FAMILIES AND SPECIES

Momordica foetida

Momordica rostrata

Peponium vogelii

Dioscoreaceae

Dioscorea dumetorum

Dioscorea odoratissima

Dioscorea quartiniana var. quartiniana

Dracaenaceae

Dracaena mannii (D. usambarensis)

Ebenaceae

Diospyros kirkii

Diospyros mespiliformis

Euphorbiaceae

Acalypha bipartita

Acalypha fruticosa

Acalypha ornata

Antidesma venosum

Bridelia micrantha

Erythrococca kirkii

Flueggea virosa (Securinega virosa)

Oldfieldia dactylophylla

Phyllanthus engleri

Ricinodendron heudelotii subsp. africanum

Tragia insuarvis

Uapaca kirkiana

Uapaca nitida

Uapaca paludosa (U. guineensis)

Uapaca sansibarica (U. macrocephala)

Flacourtiaceae

Dovyalis abyssinica

Dovyalis macrocalyx

Flacourtia indica

Oncoba spinosa

Scolopia rhamniphylla

Scolopia zeyheri

Xylotheca tettensis var. kirkii

Hydnoraceae

Hydnora abyssinica (H. johannis)

Icacinaceae

Alsodeiopsis schumanii

Lamiaceae (Labiatae)

Hoslundia opposita

754

LIST OF FAMILIES AND SPECIES

Leonotis nepetifolia

Platostoma africanum

Lobeliaceae

Lobelia fervens subsp. fervens (L. anceps)

Loganiaceae

Strychnos cocculoides

Strychnos innocua

Strychnos madagascariensis (S. dysophylla)

Strychnos spinosa subsp. lokua

Malvaceae

Abutilon angulatum

Abutilon longicuspe

Abutilon mauritianum

Azanza garckeana

Hibiscus acetosella

Hibiscus calyphyllus

Hibiscus diversifolius

Hibiscus surattensis

Malva parviflora

Meliaceae

Trichilia dregeana

Trichilia emetica

Mimosaceae

Acacia nilotica

Acacia senegal

Parkia filicoidea

Moraceae

Ficus stuhlmannii

Ficus sur (F. capensis)

Ficus sycomorus

Ficus vallis-choudae

Treculia africana

Trilepisium madagascariense

Musaceae

Ensete ventricosum (Musa ensete)

Myrsinaceae

Embelia schimperi

Myrsine africana

Myrtaceae

Eugenia capensis subsp. nyassensis (E. bukobensis)

Syzygium cordatum

755

LIST OF FAMILIES AND SPECIES

Syzygium guineense

Syzygium owariense

Nymphaeaceae

Nymphaea lotus

Olacaceae

Ximenia americana

Ximenia caffra

Opiliaceae

Opilia amentacea (O. celtidifolia)

Orchidaceae

Habenaria epipactidea (H. foliosa)

Habenaria walleri (H. soyauxii)

Satyrium macrophyllum (S. cheirophorum)

Satyrium neglectum var. neglectum

Papilionaceae

Crotalaria natalitia var. natalitia

Dalbergia nitidula

Dolichos trilobus

Eriosema burkei var. burkei

Ormocarpum kirkii

Pseudeminia comosa

Vigna pubescens

Passifloraceae

Adenia gummifera

Pedaliaceae

Ceratotheca sesamoides

Sesamothamnus busseanus

Sesamum angolense

Sesamum calycinum var. angustifolium (S. angustifolium)

Piperaceae

Piper guineense

Poaceae (Gramineae)

Dactyloctenium aegyptium

Dactyloctenium giganteum

Sorghum purpureo-sericeum

Polygalaceae

Carpolobia goetzii

Oxygonum sinuatum

Polygonum salicifolium (P. serrulatum)

Rumex abyssinicus

Rumex usambarensis

756

LIST OF FAMILIES AND SPECIES

Portulacaceae

Portulaca oleracea

Talinum portulacifolium (T. cuneifolium)

Resedaceae

Caylusea abyssinica

Rhamnaceae

Berchemia discolor

Ziziphus abyssinica

Ziziphus mauritiana

Ziziphus mucronata subsp. mucronata

Rhizophoraceae

Anisophyllea boehmii

Anisophyllea pomifera

Rosaceae

Rubus apetalus (R. adolfi-friedericii)

Rubiaceae

Canthium burttii

Canthium lactescens

Canthium oligocarpum subsp. oligocarpum

Coffea eugenioides

Coffea mufindiensis

Fadogia ancylantha

Fadogia cienkowskii var. cienkowskii

Fadogia elskensii var. elskensii

Fadogia homblei

Feretia apodanthera subsp. tanzaniensis

Leptactina benguelensis

Multidentia crassa (Canthium crassum)

Oldenlandia corymbosa var. corymbosa

Polysphaeria parvifolia

Psydrax parviflora subsp. rubrocostata

Pygmaeothamnus zeyheri

Pyrostria bibracteata (Canthium bibracteatum)

Rothmannia engleriana

Rubia cordifolia

Tapiphyllum burnettii

Tapiphyllum cinerascens var. cinerascens

Vangueria apiculata

Vangueria infausta subsp. rotundata

Vangueria madagascariensis (V. acutiloba)

Vangueria volkensii

Vangueriopsis lanciflora

757

LIST OF FAMILIES AND SPECIES

Rutaceae

Zanthoxylum chalybeum var. chalybeum (Fagara chalybea)

Salvadoraceae

Salvadora persica

Santalaceae

Osyris lanceolata (O. compressa)

Sapindaceae

Chytranthus obliquinervis

Deinbollia borbonica

Deinbollia kilimandscharica var. kilimandscharica

Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius subsp. vaughanii

Lepisanthes senegalensis (Aphania senegalensis)

Pappea capensis

Zanha africana (Dialiopsis africana)

Sapotaceae

Englerophytum magalismontanum (Bequaertiodendron magalismontanum)

Englerophytum natalense (Bequaertiodendron natalense)

Inhambanella henriquesii

Manilkara dawei

Manilkara discolor

Manilkara mochisia

Manilkara obovata

Manilkara sansibarensis

Manilkara sulcata

Mimusops kummel

Mimusops obtusifolia (M. fruticosa)

Pouteria adolfi-friedericii subsp. australis (Aningeria adolfi-friedericii)

Synsepalum brevipes (Pachystela brevipes)

Synsepalum msolo (Pachystela msolo)

Solanaceae

Lycium europaeum

Nicandra physaloides

Solanum anguivii (S. indicum)

Solanum schumannianum

Sterculiaceae

Cola scheffleri

Sterculia africana

Sterculia appendiculata

Sterculia tragacantha

Taccaceae

Tacca leontopetaloides (T. involucrata)

758

LIST OF FAMILIES AND SPECIES

Thymelaeaceae

Synaptolepis alternifolia

Synaptolepis kirkii

Tiliaceae

Carpodiptera africana

Corchorus tridens

Corchorus trilocularis

Grewia bicolor

Grewia conocarpoides

Grewia mollis

Grewia platyclada

Grewia similis

Grewia trichocarpa

Grewia villosa

Triumfetta cordifolia var. tomentosa

Urticaceae

Laportea ovalifolia (Fleurya ovalifolia)

Pouzolzia mixta (P. hypoleuca)

Urtica massaica

Verbenaceae

Lantana camara

Lantana trifolia

Lantana ukambensis (L. rhodesiensis)

Lippia kituiensis (L. ukambensis)

Stachytarpheta jamaicensis

Vitex doniana

Vitex ferruginea

Vitex fischeri

Vitex madiensis subsp. milanjiensis

Vitex mombassae

Vitex payos var. payos

Vitaceae

Ampelocissus africana

Cissus cornifolia

Cyphostemma njegerre

Zamiaceae

Encephalartos hildebrandtii

Zingiberaceae

Aframomum angustifolium

Zygophyllaceae

Tribulus terrestris

759

INDEX OF SPECIES

Index of species

Abutilon angulatum ............................. 68

Abutilon longicuspe .............................. 70

Abutilon mauritianum ......................... 72

Acacia nilotica ...................................... 74

Acacia senegal ...................................... 76

Acalypha bipartita ................................ 78

Acalypha fruticosa................................ 80

Acalypha ornata ................................... 82

Acanthopale laxiflora ........................... 84

Achyranthes aspera .............................. 86

Acokanthera oppositifolia .................... 88

Acokanthera schimperi ........................ 90

Adansonia digitata ............................... 92

Adenia gummifera................................ 94

Aerva lanata ......................................... 96

Aerva leucura ....................................... 98

Aframomum angustifolium ............... 100

Allanblackia stuhlmannii ................... 104

Allanblackia ulugurensis ................... 106

Aloe nutii ............................................ 108

Alsodeiopsis schumannii ................... 110

Alternanthera tenella

var. bettzickiana ............................. 112

Amaranthus spinosus ........................ 114

Ampelocissus africana........................ 116

Ancylobotrys petersiana (Landolphia

petersiana) ...................................... 118

Anisophyllea boehmii ......................... 120

Anisophyllea pomifera........................ 122

Annona senegalensis

(A. chrysophylla) ............................ 124

Annona stenophylla .......................... 126

Antidesma venosum........................... 128

Asparagus africanus (A. abyssinicus) 130

Asparagus flagellaris (A. nudicaulis) . 132

Asystasia gangetica ............................ 134

Asystasia mysorensis (A. schimperi) . 136

Azanza garckeana ............................... 138

Balanites aegyptiaca........................... 140

Balanites rotundifolia (B. orbicularis) 142

Balanites wilsoniana .......................... 144

Bauhinia kalantha .............................. 146

Berchemia discolor ............................ 148

Bidens pilosa ...................................... 150

Bidens schimperi ................................ 152

Bombax rhodognaphalon var.

tomentosum ................................... 154

Borassus aethiopum........................... 156

Brexia madagascariensis ................... 158

Bridelia micrantha ............................. 160

Bussea massaiensis (Peltophorum

massaiense) .................................... 162

Canarium schweinfurthii ................... 164

Canthium burttii ................................ 166

Canthium lactescens .......................... 168

Canthium oligocarpum subsp.

oligocarpum.................................... 170

Cardamine trichocarpa ...................... 172

Carissa edulis ..................................... 174

Carpodiptera africana ........................ 176

Carpolobia goetzii ............................... 178

Caylusea abyssinica ........................... 180

Celosia trigyna ................................... 182

Ceratotheca sesamoides ..................... 184

Chenopodium opulifolium ................. 186

Chytranthus obliquinervis ................. 188

Cissus cornifolia ................................. 190

Cleome hirta ....................................... 192

Cleome monophylla ............................ 194

Coccinia grandis................................. 196

Coffea eugenioides .............................. 198

Coffea mufindiensis ............................ 200

Cola scheffleri ..................................... 202

Combretum padoides ......................... 204

Commelina africana ........................... 206

Commelina benghalensis ................... 208

760

INDEX OF SPECIES

Commiphora africana ........................ 210

Commiphora mossambicensis ........... 212

Convolvulus farinosus ....................... 214

Corchorus tridens .............................. 216

Corchorus trilocularis........................ 218

Cordia monoica .................................. 220

Cordia sinensis (C. gharaf) ................ 222

Cordyla africana................................. 224

Cordyla densiflora.............................. 226

Crotalaria natalitia var. natalitia ...... 228

Cucumis dipsaceus ............................. 230

Cucumis figarei .................................. 232

Cussonia spicata................................. 234

Cyathula orthacantha ........................ 236

Cyphostemma njegerre ...................... 238

Dactyloctenium aegyptium ................ 240

Dactyloctenium giganteum ................ 242

Dalbergia nitidula .............................. 244

Deinbollia borbonica .......................... 246

Deinbollia kilimandscharica var.

kilimandscharica ............................ 248

Delonix elata....................................... 250

Dialium holtzii ................................... 252

Dialium orientale ............................... 254

Dicliptera laxata ................................. 256

Dictyophleba lucida (Landolphia

lucida) ............................................. 258

Dioscorea dumetorum ....................... 260

Dioscorea odoratissima ..................... 262

Dioscorea quartiniana

var. quartiniana ............................. 264

Diospyros kirkii .................................. 268

Diospyros mespiliformis .................... 270

Dolichos trilobus ................................ 272

Dovyalis abyssinica ............................ 274

Dovyalis macrocalyx .......................... 276

Dracaena mannii (D. usambarensis) . 278

Drymaria cordata .............................. 280

Duosperma crenatum ........................ 282

Embelia schimperi.............................. 284

Emilia coccinea .................................. 286

Encephalartos hildebrandtii .............. 288

Englerophytum magalismontanum

(Bequaertiodendron magalis-

montanum) ..................................... 290

Englerophytum natalense

(Bequaertiodendron natalense)...... 292

Ensete ventricosum (Musa ensete) .... 294

Eriosema burkei var. burkei .............. 296

Erythrococca kirkii ............................ 298

Eugenia capensis subsp. nyassensis

(E. bukobensis) ............................... 300

Fadogia ancylantha ........................... 302

Fadogia cienkowskii

var. cienkowskii.............................. 304

Fadogia elskensii var. elskensii ......... 306

Fadogia homblei................................. 308

Feretia apodanthera

subsp. tanzaniensis ........................ 310

Ficus stuhlmannii .............................. 312

Ficus sur (F. capensis) ....................... 314

Ficus sycomorus ................................ 316

Ficus vallis-choudae........................... 318

Flacourtia indica ................................ 322

Flueggea virosa (Securinega virosa) . 324

Friesodielsia obovata (Popowia

obovata) .......................................... 326

Garcinia buchananii (G. huillensis)... 328

Garcinia livingstonei .......................... 330

Grewia bicolor .................................... 332

Grewia conocarpoides ........................ 334

Grewia mollis ..................................... 336

Grewia platyclada .............................. 338

Grewia similis .................................... 340

Grewia trichocarpa ............................ 342

Grewia villosa ..................................... 344

Guizotia scabra .................................. 346

Habenaria epipactidea (H. foliosa) .... 348

Habenaria walleri (H. soyauxii)......... 350

Harungana madagascariensis ........... 352

Heliotropium zeylanicum

(H. subulatum) ............................... 354

Hewittia sublobata ............................. 356

Hexalobus monopetalus ..................... 358

Hibiscus acetosella ............................. 360

Hibiscus calyphyllus .......................... 362

Hibiscus diversifolius ......................... 364

Hibiscus surattensis........................... 366

Hirtella megacarpa (Acioa

goetzeana) ....................................... 368

Hoslundia opposita ............................ 370

Hydnora abyssinica (H. johannis) ..... 372

Hygrophila auriculata

(Asteracantha longifolia)................ 374

Hyphaene compressa ......................... 376

Hyphaene coriacea (H. pileata) .......... 378

761

INDEX OF SPECIES

Hyphaene petersiana (H. ventricosa) 380

Inhambanella henriquesii .................. 382

Ipomoea cairica var. cairica............... 384

Ipomoea eriocarpa .............................. 386

Ipomoea pres-caprae (I. biloba) .......... 388

Isoglossa lactea .................................. 390

Jacquemontia tamnifolia ................... 392

Justicia heterocarpa........................... 394

Kedrostis leloja .................................. 396

Kigelia africana (K. pinnata, K.

aethiopum) ..................................... 398

Landolphia kilimanjarica

(L. buchananii) ............................... 400

Landolphia kirkii ............................... 402

Landolphia parvifolia ......................... 404

Lannea fulva....................................... 406

Lannea humilis .................................. 408

Lannea rivae (L. floccosa ) ................. 410

Lannea schweinfurthii var.

stuhlmannii (L. stuhlmannii) ........ 412

Lantana camara ................................. 414

Lantana trifolia .................................. 416

Lantana ukambensis

(L. rhodesiensis) ............................. 418

Laportea ovalifolia (Fleurya

ovalifolia) ........................................ 420

Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius subsp.

vaughanii ........................................ 422

Leonotis nepetifolia ............................ 424

Lepisanthes senegalensis (Aphania

senegalensis) ................................... 426

Leptactina benguelensis ..................... 428

Lippia kituiensis (L. ukambensis)...... 430

Lobelia fervens subsp. fervens

(L. anceps) ...................................... 432

Lycium europaeum ............................ 434

Maerua decumbens (M. edulis) .......... 436

Malva parviflora ................................. 438

Mammea usambarensis ..................... 440

Manilkara dawei ................................. 442

Manilkara discolor ............................. 444

Manilkara mochisia ........................... 446

Manilkara obovata ............................. 448

Manilkara sansibarensis .................... 450

Manilkara sulcata .............................. 452

Maranthes goetzeniana (Parinari

goetzeniana).................................... 454

Mimusops kummel ............................. 456

Mimusops obtusifolia (M. fruticosa) .. 458

Mollugo cerviana ................................ 460

Momordica foetida ............................. 462

Momordica rostrata ........................... 464

Monanthotaxis poggei ........................ 466

Multidentia crassa (Canthium

crassum) ......................................... 468

Myrianthus arboreus ......................... 470

Myrianthus holstii ............................. 472

Myrsine africana ................................ 474

Nicandra physaloides ........................ 476

Nymphaea lotus ................................. 478

Oldenlandia corymbosa

var. corymbosa ............................... 480

Oldfieldia dactylophylla ..................... 482

Oncoba spinosa .................................. 484

Opilia amentacea (O. celtidifolia) ...... 486

Opuntia vulgaris (O. ficus-indica) ..... 488

Ormocarpum kirkii ............................ 490

Osyris lanceolata (O. compressa) ...... 492

Oxygonum sinuatum ......................... 494

Pappea capensis .................................. 496

Parinari curatellifolia subsp.

curatellifolia ................................... 498

Parinari excelsa (P. holstii) ............... 500

Parkia filicoidea ................................. 502

Peponium vogelii ................................ 504

Phoenix reclinata ............................... 506

Phyllanthus engleri ............................ 508

Piliostigma thonningii (Bauhinia

thonningii) ...................................... 510

Piper guineense .................................. 512

Pistacia aethiopica ............................. 514

Pistia stratiotes .................................. 516

Platostoma africanum ....................... 518

Polyceratocarpus scheffleri ................ 520

Polygonum salicifolium

(P. serrulatum)............................... 522

Polysphaeria parvifolia ...................... 524

Portulaca oleracea.............................. 526

Pouteria adolfi-friedericii subsp.

australis (Aningeria

adolfi-friedericii) ............................. 528

Pouzolzia mixta (P. hypoleuca) ......... 530

Pseudeminia comosa ......................... 532

Pseudospondias microcarpa .............. 534

Psorospermum febrifugum ................ 536

762

INDEX OF SPECIES

Psydrax parviflora subsp.

rubrocostata ................................... 538

Pupalia lappacea var. velutina .......... 540

Pygmaeothamnus zeyheri.................. 542

Pyrostria bibracteata (Canthium

bibracteatum) ................................. 544

Raphia farinifera ................................ 546

Rhus natalensis .................................. 548

Rhus vulgaris ..................................... 550

Ricinodendron heudelotii subsp.

africanum ....................................... 552

Ritchiea albersii ................................. 554

Rothmannia engleriana ..................... 556

Rourea orientalis (Byrsocarpus

orientalis) ....................................... 558

Rubia cordifolia .................................. 562

Rubus apetalus (R. adolfi-friedericii) 564

Rumex abyssinicus ............................ 566

Rumex usambarensis ......................... 568

Saba comorensis (S. florida) ............. 570

Salacia leptoclada .............................. 572

Salvadora persica ............................... 574

Satyrium macrophyllum (S.

cheirophorum) ................................ 576

Satyrium neglectum var. neglectum . 578

Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra ........ 580

Scolopia rhamniphylla ....................... 582

Scolopia zeyheri ................................. 584

Senna bicapsularis (Cassia

bicapsularis) ................................... 586

Senna singueana ................................ 588

Sesamothamnus busseanus............... 592

Sesamum angolense........................... 594

Sesamum calycinum var.

angustifolium (S. angustifolium) .. 596

Sesuvium portulacastrum ................. 598

Solanum anguivii (S. indicum) ......... 600

Solanum schumannianum ................ 602

Sonchus luxurians ............................. 604

Sorghum purpureo-sericeum ............. 606

Sorindeia madagascariensis .............. 608

Stachytarpheta jamaicensis............... 610

Sterculia africana ............................... 612

Sterculia appendiculata ..................... 614

Sterculia tragacantha ........................ 616

Strychnos cocculoides........................ 620

Strychnos innocua ............................. 622

Strychnos madagascariensis (S.

dysophylla) ..................................... 624

Strychnos spinosa subsp. lokua ........ 626

Synaptolepis alternifolia .................... 628

Synaptolepis kirkii ............................. 630

Synsepalum brevipes (Pachystela

brevipes).......................................... 632

Synsepalum msolo (Pachystela

msolo) ............................................. 634

Syzygium cordatum........................... 636

Syzygium guineense........................... 638

Syzygium owariense .......................... 640

Tacca leontopetaloides

(T. involucrata) .............................. 642

Talinum portulacifolium

(T. cuneifolium) .............................. 644

Tamarindus indica ............................ 646

Tapiphyllum burnettii........................ 648

Tapiphyllum cinerascens

var. cinerascens.............................. 650

Thylachium africanum ...................... 652

Tragia insuarvis ................................. 654

Treculia africana ................................ 656

Tribulus terrestris.............................. 658

Trichilia dregeana .............................. 660

Trichilia emetica ................................ 662

Trichodesma zeylanicum ................... 664

Trilepisium madagascariense ............ 666

Triumfetta cordifolia

var. tomentosa ............................... 668

Tylosema fassoglense (Bauhinia

fassoglensis).................................... 670

Typhonodorum lindleyanum ............. 672

Uapaca kirkiana ................................. 674

Uapaca nitida ..................................... 676

Uapaca paludosa (U. guineensis) ...... 678

Uapaca sansibarica

(U. macrocephala) .......................... 680

Urtica massaica ................................. 682

Uvaria acuminata .............................. 684

Uvaria kirkii ....................................... 686

Uvaria lucida subsp. lucida ............... 688

Vangueria apiculata ........................... 690

Vangueria infausta

subsp. rotundata ............................ 692

Vangueria madagascariensis (V.

acutiloba) ........................................ 694

Vangueria volkensii ............................ 696

763

INDEX OF SPECIES

Vangueriopsis lanciflora .................... 698

Vigna pubescens ................................. 700

Vitex doniana ..................................... 702

Vitex ferruginea .................................. 704

Vitex fischeri....................................... 706

Vitex madiensis subsp. milanjiensis . 708

Vitex mombassae ............................... 710

Vitex payos var. payos ....................... 712

Ximenia americana ............................ 714

Ximenia caffra .................................... 716

Xylotheca tettensis var. kirkii............ 718

Zanha africana (Dialiopsis africana) . 720

Zanthoxylum chalybeum

var. chalybeum (Fagara chalybea) 722

Ziziphus abyssinica ............................ 724

Ziziphus mauritiana .......................... 726

Ziziphus mucronata

subsp. mucronata........................... 728

764

INDEX OF SPECIES

765

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The soils of Ethiopia: annotated bibliography

Berhanu Debele. 1994. TH No. 9. ISBN 9966-896-21-X

Curriculum for training in soil and water conservation in Kenya

Stachys N. Muturi and Fabian S. Muya (eds.) 1994. TH No. 8. ISBN 9966-896-20-1

Soil conservation in Arusha Region, Tanzania: manual for extension workers with emphasis on

small-scale farmers

Per Assmo and Arne Eriksson. 1994. TH No. 7. ISBN 9966-896-19-8

Useful trees and shrubs for Tanzania: identification, propagation and management for agricultural

and pastoral communities

L.P. Mbuya, H.P. Msanga, C.K. Ruffo, Ann Birnie and Bo Tengnäs. 1994. TH No. 6. ISBN 9966-896-16-3

Agroforestry manual for extension workers in Southern Province, Zambia

Jericho Mulofwa, Samuel Simute and Bo Tengnäs. 1994. TH No. 4. ISBN 9966-896-14-7

Useful trees and shrubs for Ethiopia: identification, propagation and management for agricultural

and pastoral communities

Azene Bekele-Tessema, Ann Birnie and Bo Tengnäs. 1993. TH No. 5. ISBN 9966-896-15-5

Guidelines on agroforestry extension planning in Kenya

Bo Tengnäs. 1993. TH No. 3. ISBN 9966-896-11-2

Agroforestry manual for extension workers with emphasis on small-scale farmers in Eastern

Province, Zambia

Samuel Simute. 1992. TH No. 2. ISBN 9966-896-07-4

Curriculum for in-service training in agroforestry and related subjects in Kenya

Stachys N. Muturi (ed.). 1992. TH No. 1. ISBN 9966-896-03-1

he Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) has supported rural

development programmes in eastern Africa since the 1960s. Through its Regional Land

Management Unit (RELMA), Sida promotes initiatives to increase agricultural production in

order to enhance food security and reduce poverty.

RELMA, the successor of the Regional Soil Conservation Unit (RSCU), is based in Nairobi and

operates mainly in six eastern and southern African countries: Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda

and Zambia. RELMA’s goal in the region is to improve livelihoods of small-scale land users and en-

hance food security for all households. In pursuit of this goal, RELMA promotes environmentally sus-

tainable, socially and economically viable farming and marketing systems, and supports policies that

favour small-scale land users.

RELMA organizes, on a regional level, training courses, workshops and study tours. It also gives

technical advice, facilitates exchange of expertise and produces information materials for the dissemina-

tion of new knowledge, techniques and approaches. A variety of reports, handbooks, posters and other

information materials are published and distributed in the region on a non-profit basis.

About this book

This book is the third in a series on the wild food plants of eastern Africa and describes over three

hundred species found in Tanzania, most of them indigenous.

Wild food plants are those with edible parts such as leaves, fruit, seeds, tubers and bark that are found

growing naturally. Many are still used by rural people in Tanzania, but often they are not valued as much

as introduced species, and there is a continuing decline in knowledge about them, especially among

young people and in urban areas.

However, many of these plants are both nutritious and important for food security. The inclusion in

staple diets of a small amount of vitamin- and mineral-rich wild fruits, for example, can result in a

considerable improvement in people’s nutritional status. In addition, the indigenous species are adapted

to their local environments and therefore can be easily integrated into farming systems.

In humid areas, leafy vegetables are available throughout the year, and in drier places, leaves, fruit

and other parts collected during the peak season can be preserved for later use. Roots and tubers are

important sources of food during periods of food scarcity, and these wild food plants can also provide

income and employment through the sale or exchange of fruit, nuts and vegetables.

This book aims to encourage more Tanzanians to learn about and promote the use of the wild food

plants found in their areas. It will also help extension officers and district and group leaders to take an

active role in the promotion and use of these plants. The book will also be of interest to foresters,

horticulturists, botanists and students and teachers at all levels.

Regional Land Management Unit (RELMA), ICRAF Building, Gigiri, P. O. Box 63403, Nairobi, Kenya

Tel: (+254 2) 52 44 00, 52 44 18, 52 25 75, Fax: (+254 2) 52 44 01, E-mail: relma@cgiar.org

www.relma.org

ISBN 9966-896-62-7

SWEDISH INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION AGENCY